GIFT   OF 
A.    P.   Morrison 


THE    DOGS 

OF 

GREAT  BRITAIN,  AMERICA,  AND  OTHER 
COUNTRIES. 

Their  Breeding,  Training,  and  Management  in  Health 
and  Disease. 

COMPRISING  ALL  THE  ESSENTIAL  PARTS  OF  THE  TWO  STANDARD  JT ORKS  ON  THE  DOG, 

BY  STONEHE^OE.:       ,.  ^ 
TOGETHER  WITH  CHAPTERS  BY  AMERICAN  WRITERS. 

NEW  AND  ENLARGED  EDITION. 

WITH    OVER   OWE    HUNDRED    IJUI«U$XRAT1ON9« 


NEW    YORK: 

ORANGE    JTJDD    COMPANY, 

19C6 


Baterad,  according  £p  Act  ot  Congress,  in  the  year  1887,  by  the 
V    "S   i       S   /.*•  ,   <*    O.   JUDD    CO., 
"  °      In  thVoflBce  of  toe  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington* 

GIFT  OF 


CONTENTS. 

BOOK  I. 

THE  NATURAL  HISTORY,  ZOOLOGICAL  CLASSIFICATION,  AND  VARIE- 
TIES  OF    THE    DOG. 

CHAPTER  I. 

PAG% 

Origin  ;  General  Characteristics  ;  Habitats ;  Varieties ;  F.  Cuvier's 
Divisional  Arrangement;  Arrangement  adopted  by  Stonehenge  -      17 
CHAPTER  II. 

Wild  and  half-reclaimed  Dogs,  hunting  in  Packs ;  The  Dingo  ;  The 
Dhole  ;  The  Pariah  ;  The  Wild  Dog  of  Africa  ;  The  South- Ameri- 
can Dog ;  The  North  American  Dog  ;  Other  Wild  Dogs      -        -      27 
CHAPTER   HI. 

Domesticated  Dogs  Hunting  Chiefly  by  the  Eye  and  the  Nose, 
and  Killing  their  Game  for  Man's  use  ;  The  Rough  Scotch  Grey- 
hound and  Deerhound;  The  Smooth  or  English  Greyhound; 
The  Irish  Greyhound,  or  Wolf-dog ;  The  French  Matin ;  The 
Hare-Tr^ian  Dog ;  The  Albanian  Dog ;  The  Grecian  Greyhound ; 
The  Turkish  Greyhound ;  The  Persian  Greyhound ;  The  Russian 
Greyhound  ;  The  Italian  Greyhound ;  The  Bloodhound ;  The 
Foxhouud;  The  Harrier;  The  Beagle;  The  Otterhound,  The 

Terrier ;  The  Dachshund  ...  39 

CHAPTER   IV. 

Domesticated  Dogs,  finding  game  by  scent,  but  not  killing  it,  being 
chiefly  used  in  aid  of  the  gun ;  The  Modern  English  Pointer ; 
The  Portuguese  Pointer ;  The  French  Pointer  ;  The  Dalmatian 
and  Danish  Dogs  ;  The  English  and  Irish  Setters  ;  The  Russian 
Setter;  The  Ordinary  Field  Spaniel,  including  the  Springer 
(Clumber,  Sussex,  and  Norfolk  breeds),  and  the  Cocker  (Welsh 
and  Devonshire) ;  The  Water  Spaniel  (English  and  Irish) ;  The 

Chesapeake  Bay  Dog ..--88 

CHAPTER  V. 

Pastoral  Dogs,  and  those  used  for  the  purposes  of  draught ;  The 
English  Sheep-Dog ;  The  Colley  ;  The  German  Sheep-Dog ;  Pom- 
eranian or  Spitz  Dog;   The  Newfoundland  and  Labrador  Dogs ; 
The  Esquimaux  Dog;   The  Greenland  Dog.        •       •        -       •    13 » 
CHAPTER  VI. 

Watch  Dogs  ;  House  Dogs,  and  Toy  Dogs ;  Bulldog ;  English  Mas- 
tiff;  Mount  St.  Bernard;  Thibet  Dog;  Poodle;  Maltese  Dog; 
Lion    Dog ;    Shock    Dog ;    Toy  Spaniels ;   Toy  Terriers ;   The 
Pug  Dog  ;   Italian  Greyhound.        .......    141 

CHAPTER    VII. 

Crossed  Breeds.— Retriever ;  Bull-Terrier  •       •       •  -    163 


M95661 


VI  CONTENTS. 

BOOK    II. 

THE  BREEDING,  BEARING,  BREAKING,  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  THB 
DOG,  IN-DOORS  AND   OUT. 

CHAPTER    I. 

Breeding.— Principles  of  Breeding ;  Axioms  for  the  Breeder's  Use ; 
Crossing  and  Crossed  Breeds  ;  Importance  of  Health  in  both  Sire 
and  Dam  ;  Best  Ages  to  Breed  From  ;  in-and-in  Breeding ;  Best 
Time  of  Year ;  Duration  of  Heat ;  Management  of  the  Bitch  in 
Season  ;  The  Bitch  in  Whelp ;  Preparations  for  Whelping . 
Healthy  Parturition ;  Destruction  or  Choice  of  Whelps  at  Birth  -,  173 
CHAPTER  II. 

Rearing. — Management  in  the  Nest ;  Choosing  ;  The  Foster-Nurse  ; 
Feeding  before  Weaning ,  Choice  of  Place  for  Whelping ;  Re- 
moval of  Dew-Claws,  etc.;  Weaning  ;  Lodging  ;  Feeding  ;  Exer- 
cise ;  Home  Rearing  vs.  Walking ;  Food ;  General  Management ; 
Cropping,  Branding,  and  Rounding  •  •  187 

CHAPTER    III. 

Kennels  and  Kennel  Management. — Greyhound  Kennels  ;  Fox- 
hound Kennels ;  Pointer  Kennels ;  Kennels  for  Single  Dogs  • 

House  Dogs -  -    206 

CHAPTER    IV- 

Breaking  and  Entering. — The  Entering  of  the  Greyhound  and  Deer- 
hound  ;  Of  Foxhounds  and  Harriers ;  Breaking  the  Pointer  and 
Setter ;  The  Retriever  (Land  and  Water) ;  The  Spaniel ;  The  Ver- 
min Dog  -  21£ 

CHAPTER    V. 

The  Use  of  the  Dog  in  Shooting. — Grouse  and  Partridge  (Quail) 
Shooting  ;  Snipe  and  Woodcock  Shooting  ;  Wild  Fowl  Shooting : 
Shoal-water  Fowl;  Deep-water  Fowl;  Hare  Hunting;  Deer 
Hunting ;  Game  hi  the  Far  West -  248 


BOOK    III. 

THE  DISEASES  OF  THE  DOG  AND  THEIR   TREATMENT. 

CHAPTER   I. 

Peculiarities  in  the  Anatomy  and  Physiology  of  the  Dog.— The 
Skeleton,  including  the  Teeth  ;  The  Muscular  System  ;  The  Brain 
and  Nervous  System;  The  Digestive  System;  The  Heart  and 

Lungs ;  The  Skin 287 

CHAPTER    H. 

The  Remedies  Suited  to  the  Dog,  and  the  Best  Means  of  Adminis- 
tering them. — Alteratives  ;  Anodynes  ;  Antispasmodics  ;  Aperi 
ents ;  Astringents  ;  Blisters  ;  Caustics  ;  Charges  ;  Cordials  ;  Diu- 
retics ;  Embrocations  ;  Emetics  ;  Expectorants ;  Fever  Medi- 
cines ;  Clysters  ;  Lotions  j  Ointments  ;  Stomachics  ;  Styptics ; 
Tonics  ;  Worm  Medicines ;  Administration  of  Remedies  -  '  298 


CONTENTS.  VII 

CHAPTER    III. 

Fevers,  and  their  Treatment.— Simple  Ephemeral  Fever,  or  Cold  ; 
Epidemic  Fever,  or  Influenza ;  Typhus  Fever,  or  Distemper ; 
Rheumatic  Fever  ;  Small-Pox ;  Sympathetic  Fever  »  808 

CHAPTER   IV. 

.'inflammation s.—  Definition  of  Inflammation ;  Symptoms  and  Treat 
ment  of  Rabies,  Tetanus,  and  Turnside  ;  Of  Inflammation  of  the 
Eye,  Ear  (canker),  Mouth,  and  Nose ;  Of  the  Lungs ;  Of  the 
Stomach ;  Of  the  Bowels ;  Of  the  Liver ;  Of  the  Kidneys  and 

Bladder ;  Of  the  Skin  -  J3S 

CHAPTER    V. 

Diseases  Accompanied  by  Want  of  Power.— Chorea ;  Shaking  Palsy  •, 
Fits  ;  Worms ;  General  Dropsy  or  Anasarca   -  347 

CHAPTER   VI. 

Diseases  Arising  from  Mismanagement  or  Neglect. — Anaemia ;  Rick 
ets  ;  Indigestion  -  .  •    359 

CHAPTER   VII. 

Diseases  and  Accidents  Requiring  Surgical  Aid. — Tumors  ;  Cancer; 
Encysted  Tumors  ;  Abscesses ;  Unnatural  Parturition  ;  Accidents 
and  Operations   -  ...  .......    35 j 

aicW  York  Annual  Bench  Shows,        *       •       •      •       •      -       -    86) 


LIST    OF    ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Frontispiece (Countess. ) . . 

Fetching  Game 7 

Outwitting  the  Dog 10 

Group  of  Dogs 11 

Pointing  a  Grouse 13 

Flushing  Birds 14 

The  Wolf 17 

English  Pointer,  Drake  FuLlpage  21 

Head  of  Wild  Dog 26 

The  Dingo 27 

Head  of  Retriever 31 

Deerhound 32 

Greyhound 35 

"          Pair  of 36 

Setters,  Pair  of Full  page . .  39 

Deer  at  Bay 48 

Hare-Indian  Dog 49 

Greyhound,  Persian 51 

Greyhounds,  Italian,  Pair  of....  52 

Hound,  Head  of 54 

Bloodhound,  Head  of 55 

Foxhound 57 

Beagles,  American 64 

"         Rabbit 66 

English  Terrier 69 

Dandie  Dinmont  Terriers 72 

Irish  Setter,  Rover.  .Futt page. .  109 

Skye  Terrier 77 

Fox  Terrier 79 

Yorkshire  Terrier... 81 

Head  of  Terrier 82 

Fox  Terrier Fall  page. .  73 

Dachshunds 85 

Dalmatian  Dog 91 

Gordon  Setter,  Lang. Futt  page..  93 

Setter  at  Work 95 

Shepherd  Dogs Full  page, .  125 

Spaniel,  Clumber 113 

"        Sussex 114 

"        Cocker 115 

"       Head  of 117 

"        Irish  Water .....118 

Dachshund Full  page. .  83 

Spaniel  and  Woodcock. 123 

Chesapeake  Bay  Dog 121 

Colley  Dog,  Scotch 128 

Sheep  Dog,  Head  of 130 

Spitz  Dog 1 31 

Newfoundland  Dog 134 

VIII 


Esquimaux  Dogs,  Heads  of. 136-1 37 

Esquimaux  Dog Full  page .  .139 

Bull  Dogs 142 

14        "    Head  of 145 

Mastiff,  English 146 

St.  Bernard,  Rough 148 

Smooth 150 

"  He^of 151 

Poodle  Dog 152 

Bull  Dog  and  Spaniel 153 

Maltese  Dog 154 

Spaniel,  King  Charles 156 

"       Blenheim 157 

Pug  Dogs,  A  Pair  of 159 

Dog  and  Crow 160 

Terriers,  Toy 161 

Retrievers Full  page.  .165 

Bull  Terrier 169 

Terrier  and  Cat 170 

Dachshund  and  Pups 186 

Group  of  Dogs 205 

Kennel,  Plan  of 207 

"       Elevation  of 208 

•*       Bench  for 211 

"       Ventilating  Shaft 212 

Hound,  Head  of 217 

Plan  of  Quartering  Ground 228 

Puzzle  Peg 231 

Pointer,  Daisy Full  page . .  237 

Head  of  Skye  Terrier 247 

Snipe Full  page.  .253 

Woodcock Full  page.  .259 

American  Hare Full  page . .  273 

Deer  at  Salt  Lick....  Full  page.  .277 

Coursing  Deer 280 

Buffalo  Hunters Fullpage.  .281 

Teeth  of  Dogs,  4  Figures 289 

Head  of  Sick  Dog 291 

Dog  in  Trouble 308 

Paper  Carrier .322 

Puppy. 346 

Maw  Worm 351 

Tape  Worm 352 

Tape  Worm,  Head  of 352 

Kidney  Worm 354 

Shepherd  Dog  and  Flock 358 

A  Sudden  Encounter 366 

Bloodhound,  Head  of 381 

Colburn's  Dash. 382 


FULL  PAGE  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


*,  Frontispiece,  COUNTESS,  the  celebrated  English  setter  belonging 
to  Mr.  Purcell  Llewellyn.  Stonehenge  regards  her  as  an  absolutely 
perfect  dog.  For  her  complete  pedigree,  see  pages  96-97. 

2.  DRAKE,  (page  21  „  a  distinguished  pointer  in  his  day.     He  belonged 
to  Mr.  R.  J.  Lloyd  Price,  of  North  Wales,  and  is  fully  described  on 
page  90. 

3.  FLORA  and  NELLY,  (page  39),  two  well-known  American  setters  ex- 
hibited at  a  recent   New  York  Bench  Show,  the  former  by  W.   C. 
Waters,  of  New  York,  and  the  latter  by  Milo  Seagears,  an  eminent  shot 
and  trainer  of   Florida,    Orange    County,    N.  Y.     NELLY,   the  under 
dog  in  the  illustration,  was  the  stanchest  little  setter  we   ever  shot 
over ;  she  was  unfortunately  drowned  not  long  since  in  a  vat,  to  the 
great  regret  of  many  sportsmen. 

4.  ROVER  (page  109),  a  majestic  Irish  setter,  belonging  to  Mr.  Macdona. 
He  is  by  BEAUTY  out  of  the  Rev.  R.  Callaghan's  GROUSE,  and  is  own 
brother  to  PLUNKET.    He  is  referred  to  page  110. 

5.  Fox  TERRIER  (page  73).    This  breed  of  dogs  is  becoming  very  popu- 
lar as  companions.    They  are  fully  described,  page  78.     The  English 
Terrier  BELCHER,  whose  portrait  is  given  on  a  previous  page  (69),  has 
taken  many  prizes.     He  now  belongs  to  Mr.  T.  B.  Swinburne,  of  Great 
Britain,  and  is  considered  the  most  perfect  specimen  of  the  breed  extant. 

6.  LANG  (pa^c  OC),  an  elegant  Gordon  setter  belonging  to  Mr.  Coath, 
of  Great  Britain.     Lie  has  taken  numerous  prizes  at  Birmingham  and 
elsewhere,  and  is  fully  described,  page  106.    The  Dalmatian  dog  CAPTAIN, 
of  which  an  engraving  is  given  on  a  previous  page,  (91),  belongs  to  Mr. 
Fowdry,  of  Great  Britain,  and  since  1875  has  taken  several  first  prizes  at 
London,  Birmingham,  and  other  important  Dog  Shows  in  England. 

7.  SHEPHERD  DOGS  (page  1~5X,  or  SCOTCH  COLLEYS.    The  group  belong 
to  Mr.  Francis  Morris,  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.     These  dogs  have  a  most 
tenacious  memory,  whereby  they  are  enabled  to  recognize  every  sheep 
in  the  flock.     The  breed  is  described,  page  126. 

8.  DACHSHUND  (pa^e  83).     This  is  an  engraving  of  a  dog  belonging  to 
Mr.  Raab,  of  Hoboken,  N.  J.  Ten  years  ago  there  were  very  few  Dachs- 
hunds in  the  United  States  in  addition  to  Mr.  Raab's  small  pack.    They 
are  now  becoming  quite  popular,  as  they  already  have   been  on  the 
European  Continent.     The  breed  is  described,  page  85. 

9.  ESQUIMAUX  OR  WOLF  DOG  (page  139).    This  engraving  represents 
the  breed  of  North  American  do-j:s,  which,  having  man}'  of  the  charac- 
teristics of  the  wolf,  were  frequently  taken  for  the  latter  animal  by  Dr. 
Kane.    They  are  described,  page  135. 

10.  WAVY-COATED  RETRIEVERS,  Paris  AND  Melody  (page  165).    These 
two  beautiful  animals  belong  to  Mr.  G.  Brewis,  of  Great  Britain.    The 

12 


X  FULL  PAGE  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

breed  is  now  much  employed  In  England,  though  as  yet  compara« 
tively  little  used  in  the  United  States,  their  work  being  performed  bj 
our  setters  and  pointers.  They  are  described,  page  164. 

11.  POINTER,  DAISY  (page  237).  This  pointer,  belonging  to  Dr.  A.  R, 
Strachan,  of  New  York  City,  took  the  first  prize  of  her  class  in  a  recent 
New  York  Bench  Show.  She  is  small,  but  finely  formed,  and  beautiful 
both  m  color  and  action. 

13.  AMERICAN  SNIPE  (page  259).  Though  commonly  called  English 
Snipe,  and  formerly  supposed  to  be  identical,  this  is  an  American  bird, 
the  differences  first  having  been  ascertained  and  designated  by  Dr  Alex- 
ander Wilson,  the  celebrated  Ornithologist.  The  bird  in  the  engraving 
was  shot  on  the  Hackensack  Meadows,  and  owing  to  its  size  and  beauty, 
preserved  for  illustration.  Snipe  shooting  is  described,  page  255. 

13.  WOODCOCK,  (page  259).    The  engraving  represents  the  American 
Woodcock.     Though  smaller  than  the  English  bird,  it  is  fully  as  hand- 
somely marked  and  held  in  equal  estimation  by  epicures  of  both  coun- 
tries.   The  bird  described  flew  from  its  feeding  ground  across  a  village 
street  in  Berger.,  New  Jersey,  and  dashing  through  the  window  of  a  drug 
store  broke  its  neck  against  tbe  stove. 

14.  AMERICAN  HARE  (page  273).    Suggestions  regarding  the  hunting 
of  hares  in  the  United  States  are  given,  page  275. 

15.  SHOOTING  DEER  AT  A  SALT-LICK  (page  277).   The  engraving  repre- 
sents a  favorite  and  successful  mode  of  hunting  deer  in  the  United 
States,  and  is  described,  page  280. 

16.  BUFFALO  HUNTERS'  CAMP  (page  281).     This  scene,  representing 
buffalo  hunters,  curing  the  hides  of  the  animals,  was  sketched  in  South- 
ern Kansas  by  one  of  the  co -tributors  to  this  volume.    The  present 
ranges  of  the  buffalo  are  described,  page  283. 

17.  COLBTJRN'S  DASH  (page  382).    This  celebrated  dog,  belonging  to 
George  C.  Col  burn,  of  this  city,  combines  the  English,  Irish,  and  Gordon 
strains,  and  has  sired  some  of  our  best  prize  and  field  winners. 


PUBLISHEKS'    PKEFACE. 


For  fifty  years,  "  Stonehenge,"  by  which  name  Mr.  J.  H.  Walsh 
is  known  in  both  Continents,  has  made  the  dog  a  constant  study. 
More  than  twenty  years  ago  the  Messrs  Longman,  of  London, 
selected  him  to  revise  Mr.  Youatt's  work.  Since  then  his  volumi- 
nous writings  in  the  "  Field,"  and  elsewhere,  have  revealed  such 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  subject  as  to  constitute  him  the  un- 
disputed authority  on  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  dog.  Elaine, 
Daniel,  Hill,  Mayhew,  Richards,  Youatt,  and  other  authors,  take 
rank  far  below  him,  while  "  Idstone,"  who,  perhaps,  stands  next 
to  him,  frankly  alludes  in  his  work  to  "  Stonehenge  "  as  "  without 
doubt  the  first  of  living  authorities,"  "  the  most  experienced  and 
scientific  of  writers,"  etc.  He  is  so  regarded  to-day  in  America, 
as  well  as  in  Europe.  The  writings  on  which  "  Stonehenge's  " 
reputation  and  present  popularity  mainly  rest  are  contained  in  the 
two  works  "  The  Dog  in  Health  and  Disease,"  (1872),  and  "  Tha 
Dogs  of  the  British  Islands,"  (1878).  The  high  cost  of  these  works 
XI 


has  placed  them,  with  few  exceptions,  beyond  the  reach  of  would 
be  buyers  in  the  United  States,  where  there  is  a  very  general 
curiosity  and  desire  to  procure  them.  Such  being  the  case,  we 
have  incorporated  all  the  essantial  features  of  both  works  into  one, 
at  a  cost  to  the  reader  of  less  than  one-fifth  the  amount  charged 
for  the  two  imported  works.  The  new  volume  may  be  correctly 
described  as  Stonehenge's  writings,  omitting  minor  details  of 
merely  local  interest,  and  following  the  original  text,  except  in  the 
reconstruction  of  sentences  for  the  sake  of  perspicuity  and  sim- 
plicity. Such  additional  matter  as  has  been  deemed  desirable  for 
an  American  book  is  contributed,  among  others,  by  Mr.  David  W. 
Judd,  whose  annual  three  months'  hunting  trips  for  many  years, 
have  discovered  choice  hunting  grounds  in  the  Middle  and  West- 
ern States  and  Territories ;  by  Mr.  Henry  Stewart,  whose  long 
studies  in  animal  life  have  produced  several  successful  volumes, 
and  by  Mr.  F.  R.  Ryer,  whose  familiarity  with  dog  lore  has  so  fre- 
quently been  verified  in  controversial  papers.  The  engravings  have 
been  executed  by  Mr.  Charles  Hinkle,  whose  known  experience 
with  dogs  enables  him  to  successfully  bring  out  the  required  points 
in  his  subject.  The  full  page  illustrations  are  distributed  without 
regard  to  the  text,  but  to  add  to  the  general  effect  of  the  volume. 
Lists  of  prize  winners  in  Dog  Shows,  down  to  1887,  are  given. 


INTKODUCTORY. 


Every  lover  of  the  dog  has  hailed  with  lively  satisfaction  the 
reproduction  of  Stonehenge's  Great  Works  in  the  United  States. 
Mr.  Walsh  does  not  always  express  himself  in  the  smoothest 
terms,  but  what  he  writes  is  to  the  point.  The  reader  feels  that 
he  is  explaining  or  advising  what  he  knows  to  be  true  from  actual 
experience,  that  he  can  safely  purchase  one  animal  or  administer 
medicine  to  another  in  accordance  with  his  directions.  The  com- 
position of  his  latest  book,  the  "  Dogs  of  the  British  Islands,"  shows 
a  marked  improvement  over  th*l»of  "The  Dog  in  Health  and 
Disease,"  though  the  directions  for  breeding,  rearing,  etc.,  and  for 
the  treatment  of  the  diseases,  are  fuller  and  mor^  satisfactory  in  the 
Aitter.  The  present  volume  veiy  properly,  therefore,  combines  de- 
scriptions of  dogs  selected  from  both  works,  while  the  matter 
pertaining  to  the  breeding  of  dogs,  management  in  disease,  etc.,  is 
eproduced  almost  bodily  from  Stonehenge's  first  book.  The 
Jlustrations  are  much  the  superior  in  the  latest  work,  and  are 
therefore  selected  from  that  for  reproduction.  Portraits  of 
several  well  known  American  dogs  are  added. 

The  rapidly  increasing  interest  manifested  in  Dog  Shows 
bears  evidence  to  the  growing  regard  and  care  in  the  United  States 
for  the  canine  species.  Of  all  animals,  the  dog  possesses  the  most 
intelligence,  and,  with  proper  effort  and  training,  can  be  educated 
up  to  a  point  next  to  human.  We  have  plenty  of  books  on  the 
dog,  but  none  furnishing  the  desired  information  and  instruction 
which  are  presented  in  Stonehenge's  combined  works. 

Time  devoted  to  the  animal  creation  is  by  no  means  lost.  Not 
to  speak  of  the  practical  results,  it  has  an  ameliorating  effect  upon 
humanity.  Hf  who  is  kind  to  his  brutes  does  not  himself  become 
a  brute.  If  the  disposition  to  treat  them  with  consideration  is  cul- 
tivated, it  is  carried  into  his  daily  walk  and  conversation,  with 
humanity.  He  who  practices  profanity  and  physical  abuse  upon 

xm 


XIV  INTRODUCTORY. 

his  animals,  all  the  more  readily  berates  his  family.  However  de- 
graded, the  man  who  loves  his  dog  is  not  wholly  lost.  There  ia 
yet  considerable  humanity  about  him,  which  may,  perhaps,  be 
sooner  or  later  successfully  appealed  to.  The  dog  is  a  valuable 
factor  in  society.  Cuvier  styles  the  domestic  dog  "  the  most  use- 
ful  conquest  that  man  has  gained  in  the  animal  world."  Tlia 
Shaggy  Esquimaux  which  draws  its  heavy  sled  over  weary  roads  ; 
the  faithful  Colley,  "  without  which,"  says  the  Ettrick  Shepherd, 
44  the  whole  of  the  open  mountainous  land  in  Scotland  would  not 
be  worth  a  sixpence  " ;  the  noble  Newfoundland  which  protects 
and  rescues  life ;  the  sturdy  Mastiff  which  guards  well  the  home 
from  all  intruders  ;  the  Pointer  or  Setter  which,  with  its  unerring 
scent,  contributes  to  the  delicacy  of  the  table,  and  in  the  "  season  " 
swells  may  be  his  masters  slender  income ;  the  lively  Terrier  which 
rids  the  house  of  vermin;  the  ever  alert  Skye,  whose  shrill 
night  bark  betokens  danger — one  and  all  enact  an  important 
part  for  mankind.  When  we  take  into  account  the  very  many 
valuable  services  performed  for  us  by  the  various  species,  we 
can  not  so  much  wonder,  perhaps,  that  the  untutored  savage  thinks 
his  dog  follows  him  straight  to  the  spirit  land,  or  that  the  ancient 
Egyptians  freshly  shaved  themselves  as  a  mark  of  grief  every 
time  a  dog  died  in  the  family,  or  that  a  tribe  of  Ethiopia  once  set 
up  a  dog  for  their  king,  and  accepted  the  wags  of  his  tail  as 
heavenly  divinations.  B<J  is  certainly  one  of  the  noblest  and 
most  useful  of  animals. 


BOOK   I. 

THE  NATURAL  HISTORY,  ZOOLOGICAL  CLAS 
SIF1CATION,  AND  VARIETIES  OF  THE  DOG. 


15 


Fig.   1.— THE  WOLF. 


CHAPTER    I. 


DRIGIN.  —  GENERAL  CHARACTERISTICS.  —  HABITAT.  —  VARIETIES.  —  F. 
CUVIER'S  DIVISIONAL  ARRANGEMENT.— ARRANGEMENT  ADOPTED  Bt 
"STONEHENGE." 

From  the  earliest  times  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  dog 
has  been  the  faithful  companion  and  assistant  of  man  hi  all  parts 
of  the  world,  and  his  fidelity  and  attachment  are  so  remarkable 
as  to  have  become  proverbial.  Before  the  introduction  of  agricul- 
ture, it  was  by  means  of  the  hunting  powers  of  this  animal  that 
man  was  enabled  to  support  himself  by  pursuing  the  wild  denizens 
of  the  forest ;  for  though  now,  with  the  aid  of  gunpowder,  he  can 
\n  great  measure  dispense  with  the  services  of  his  assistant,  yet, 
until  the  invention  of  that  destructive  agent,  he  was,  in  default  of 
17 


18  ORIGIN    OF   THE   DOG. 

the  dog,  reduced  to  the  bow  and  arrow,  the  snare,  or  the  pitfalL 
The  dog  was  also  of  incalculable  service  in  guarding  the  flocks 
and  herds  from  the  depredations  of  the  Carnlvora,  and  even  man 
himself  was  often  glad  to  have  recourse  to  his  courage  and 
strength  in  resisting  the  lion,  the  tiger,  or  the  wolf. 

Much  has  been  written  on  the  origin  of  the  dog,  and  Pennant, 
Buffon,  and  other  naturalists  have  exhausted  their  powers  of  re- 
search and  invention  in  attempting  to  discover  the  parent  stock 
from  which  all  are  descended.  The  subject,  however,  is  wrapped 
in  so  much  obscurity  as  to  baffle  all  their  efforts,  and  it  is  still  a 
disputed  point  whether  the  shepherd's  dog,  as  supposed  by  Buffon 
and  Daniel,  or  the  wolf,  as  conjectured  by  Bell,  is  the  progenitor 
of  the  various  breeds  now  existing.  Anyhow,  it  is  a  most  unprofit- 
able speculation,  and,  being  unsupported  by  proof  of  any  kind,  it 
can  never  be  settled  upon  any  reliable  basis.  We  shall  not,  there- 
fore, waste  any  space  in  entering  upon  tbis  discussion,  but  leave 
our  readers  to  investigate  the  inquiry,  if  they  think  fit,  in  the  pages 
of  Ruffop,  Linnaeus,,  Pennant,  and  Cuvier,  and  our  most  recent  in- 
vestigator* Pro.ff.ssoi  ,j3ejl.  It  may,  however,  be  observed  that  the 
old  hypothesis  of  Pennant  that  the  dog  is  only  a  domesticated 
'jatikkl/,crpto3d;w,ith:  th£  V'6lf  or  fox,  though  resuscitated  by  Mr. 
Bell;  is' now  almost  entirely  exploded  ;  for  while  it  accounts  some- 
what ingeniously  for  the  varieties  which  are  met  with,  yet  it  is 
contradicted  by  the  stubborn  fact  that,  in  the  present  day,  the  cross 
of  the  dog  with  either  of  these  animals,  if  produced,  is  incapable 
of  continuing  the  species  when  paired  with  one  of  the  same  crossed 
breed.  Nevertheless,  it  may  be  desirable  to  give  Mr.  Bell's  reasons 
for  thinking  that  the  dog  is  descended  from  the  wolf,  which  are  as 
follows : — 

"In  order  to  come  to  any  rational  conclusion  on  this  head,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  ascertain  to  what  type  the  animal  approaches 
most  nearly,  after  having  for  many  successive  generations  existed 
in  a  wild  state,  removed  from  the  influence  of  domestication,  and 
of  association  with  mankind.  Now  we  find  that  there  are  several 
different  instances  of  the  existence  in  dogs  of  such  a  state  of  wild- 
ness  as  to  have  lost  even  that  common  character  of  domestication, 


ORIGIN    OF   THE   DOG.  19 

variety  of  color,  and  marking.  Of  these,  two  very  remarkable 
ones  are  the  Dhole  of  India,  and  the  Dingo  of  Australia.  There  is, 
besides,  a  half -reclaimed  race  amongst  the  Indians  of  North  Ameri- 
ca, and  another,  also  partially  tamed  in  South  America,  which  de- 
serve attention.  And  it  is  found  that  these  races  in  different  de- 
grees, and  in  a  greater  degree  as  they  are  more  wild,  exhibit  the 
lank  and  gaunt  form,  the  lengthened  limbs,  the  long  and  slender 
mu/zle,  and  the  great  comparative  strength  which  characterize  the 
woif ;  and  that  the  tail  of  the  Australian  dog,  which  may  be  con« 
sidered  as  the  most  remote  from  a  state  of  domestication,  assumes 
the  slightly  bushy  form  of  that  animal. 

"  We  have  here  a  remarkable  approximation  to  a  well-known 
wild  animal  of  the  same  genus,  in  races  which,  though  doubtless 
descended  from  domesticated  ancestors,  have  gradually  assumed 
the  wild  condition ;  and  it  is  worthy  of  especial  remark  that  the 
anatomy  of  the  wolf,  and  its  osteology  in  particular,  does  not  differ 
from  that  of  the  dog  in  general,  more  than  the  different  kinds  of 
dogs  do  from  each  other.  The  cranium  is  absolutely  similar,  and 
so  are  all,  or  nearly  all,  the  other  essential  parts  ;  and,  to  strengthen 
still  further  the  probability  of  their  identity,  the  dog  and  wolf  will 
readily  breed  together,  and  their  progeny  is  fertile.  The  obliquity 
of  the  position  of  the  eyes  in  the  wolf  is  one  of  the  characters  in 
which  it  differs  from  the  dog ;  and,  although  it  is  very  desirable 
not  to  rest  too  much  upon  the  effects  of  habit  on  structure,  it  is 
not  perhaps  straining  the  point  to  attribute  the  forward  direction 
of  the  eyes  in  the  dog  to  the  constant  habit,  for  many  successive 
generations,  of  looking  forward  to  his  master,  and  obeying  his 
voice."* 

Such  is  the  state  of  the  argument  in  favor  of  the  original  de- 
scent from  the  wolf,  but,  as  far  as  it  is  founded  upon  the  breeding 
together  of  the  wolf  and  dog,  it  applies  also  to  the  fox,  which  is 
now  ascertained  occasionally  to  be  impregnated  by  the  dog ;  but  in 
neither  case  we  believe  does  the  progeny  continue  to  be  fertile  if 
put  to  one  of  the  same  cross,  and  as  this  is  now  ascertained  to  be 
the  only  reliable  test,  the  existence  of  the  first  cross  stands  for 

*  Bell's  British  Quadrupeds,  pp.  196-7. 


20  GENERAL   CHARACTERISTICS. 

nothing.  Indeed,  experience  shows  us  more  and  more  clearly 
every  year,  that  no  reliance  can  be  placed  upon  the  test  depending 
upon  fertile  intercommunion,  which,  especially  in  birds,  is  shown 
to  be  liable  to  various  exceptions.  Still  it  has  been  supported  by 
respectable  authorities,  and  for  this  reason  we  have  given  insertion 
to  the  above  extract. 


GENERAL  CHARACTERISTICS. 

In  every  variety  the  dog  is  more  or  less  endowed  with  a  keen 
sight,  strong  powers  of  smell,  sagacity  almost  amounting  to  rea- 
son, and  considerable  speed,  so  that  he  is  admirably  adapted  for  all 
purposes  connected  with  the  pursuit  of  game.  He  is  also  furnished 
with  strong  teeth,  and  courage  enough  to  use  them  in  defence  of 
his  master,  and  with  muscular  power  sufficient  to  enable  him  to 
draw  moderate  weights,  as  we  see  in  Kamtschatka  and  Newfound- 
land. Hence,  among  the  old  writers,  clogs  were  divided  into  Pug- 
naces,  Sagaces,  and  Celeres;  but  this  arrangement  is  now  super- 
seded, various  other  systems  having  been  adopted  in  modern  times, 
though  none  perhaps  much  more  satisfactory.  Belonging  lo  the 
division  Vertebrata,  class  Mammalia,  order  Ferce,  family  Felidce, 
and  sub-family  Canina,  the  species  is  known  as  Cants  familiaris, 
the  sub-family  being  distinguished  by  having  two  tubercular  teeth 
behind  the  canines  on  the  upper  jaw,  with  non-retractile  claws, 
while  the  dog  itself  differs  from  the  fox  with  which  he  is  grouped, 
in  having  a  round  pupil  in  the  eye  instead  of  a  perpendicular  slit, 
as  is  seen  in  that  animal. 

The  attempt  made  by  Linnaeus  to  distinguish  the  dog  as  having 
a  taiV  curved  to  the  left,  is  evidently  without  any  reliable  founda- 
tion, as  though  there  are  far  more  with  the  tail  on  that  side  than 
on  the  right,  yet  many  exceptions  are  to  be  met  with,  and  among 
the  pugs  almost  all  the  bitches  wear  their  tails  curled  to  the  left. 
The  definition,  therefore,  of  (Janis  familiaris  caudd  (sinistrorsum) 
recurvatd,  will  not  serve  to  separate  the  species  from  the  others  of 
the  genus  Canis,  as  proposed  by  the  Swedish  naturalist. 


HABITAT VARIETIES.  23 

HABITAT. 

In  almost  every  climate  the  dog  is  to  be  met  with,  from  Kamt- 
schatka  to  Cape  Horn,  the  chief  exception  being  some  of  the 
islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean ;  but  it  is  only  in  the  temperate  zone 
that  he  is  to  be  found  in  perfection,  the  courage  of  the  bulldog  and 
the  speed  of  the  greyhound  soon  degenerating  in  tropical  coun- 
tries. In  China  and  the  Society  Islands  dogs  are  eaten,  being  con- 
sidered great  delicacies,  and  by  the  ancients  the  flesh  of  a  young 
fat  dog  was  highly  prized,  Hippocrates  even  describing  that  of  an 
adult  as  wholesome  and  nourishing.  In  a  state  of  nature  the  dog 
is  compelled  to  live  on  flesh  which  he  obtains  by  hunting,  and 
hence  he  is  classed  among  the  Carniwra  ;  but  when  domesticated 
he  will  live  upon  vegetable  substances  alone,  such  as  oatmeal  por- 
ridge, or  bread  made  from  any  of  the  cereals,  but  thrives  best  upon 
a  mixed  diet  of  vegetable  and  animal  substances ;  and,  indeed,  the 
formation  of  his  teeth  is  such  as  to  lead  us  to  suppose  that  by 
nature  he  is  intended  for  it,  as  we  shall  hereafter  find  in  discussing 
his  anatomical  structure. 


VARIETIES  OF  THE   DOG. 

The  varieties  of  the  dog  are  extremely  numerous,  and,  indeed, 
as  they  are  apparently  produced  by  crossing,  which  is  still  had 
recourse  to,  there  is  scarcely  any  limit  to  the  numbers  which  may 
be  described.  It  is  a  curious  fact  that  large  bitches  frequently 
take  a  fancy  to  dogs  so  small  as  to  be  incapable  of  breeding  with 
them ;  and  in  any  case,  if  left  to  themselves,  the  chances  are  very 
great  against  their  selecting  mates  of  the  same  breed  as  themselves. 
The  result  is,  that  innumerable  nondescripts  are  yearly  bom,  but 
as  a  certain  number  of  breeds  are  described  by  writers  on  the  dog, 
or  defined  by  "  dog-fanciers,"  these  "  mongrels,"  as  they  are  called 
from  not  belonging  to  them,  are  generally  despised,  and,  however 
useful  they  may  be,  the  breed  is  not  continued.  This,  how- 
ever, is  not  literally  true,  exceptions  being  made  in  favor  of  cer- 
tain sorts  which  have  been  improved  by  admixture  with  others, 


24  VAEIETIES   OF   THE   DOG. 

such  as  the  cross  of  the  bulldog  with  the  greyhound ;  the  foxhound 
with  the  Spanish  pointer;  the  bulldog  with  the  terrier,  etc.,  etc., 
all  of  which  are  now  recognized  and  admitted  into  the  list  of  val- 
uable breeds,  and  not  only  are  not  considered  mongrels,  but,  on 
the  contrary,  are  prized  above  the  original  strains  from  which  they 
are  descended.  An  attempt  has  been  made  by  M.  F.  Cuvier  to 
arrange  these  varieties  under  three  primary  divisions,  which  are 
founded  upon  the  shape  of  the  head  and  the  length  of  the  jaws, 
these  being  supposed  by  him  to  vary  in  accordance  with  the  de- 
gree of  cunning  and  scenting  powers,  which  the  animal  possessing 
them  displays.  The  following  is  his  classification,  which  in  the 
main  is  correct,  and  I  shall  adhere  to  it,  with  trifling  alterations, 
in  the  pages  of  this  book. 

F.  Cuvier9 s  Divisional  Arrangement. 

I.  MATINS. 

Characterized  by  head  more  or  less  elongated ;  parietal  bones  in- 
sensibly approaching  each   other;   condyles  of  the  lower  jaw 
placed  in  a  horizontal  line  with  the  upper  molar  teeth,  exempli- 
fied by— 
SECT.  1.  Half-reclaimed  dogs,  hunting  in  packs ;  such  as  the  Dingo, 

the  Dhole,  the  Pariah,  etc. 
SECT.  2.  Domesticated  dogs,  hunting  in  packs,  or  singly,  but  using 

the  eye  in  preference  to  the  nose ;  as,  for  instance,  £ie 

Albanian  dog,  Deerhound,  etc. 
SECT.  3.  Domesticated  dogs,  which  hunt  singly,  and  almost  entirely 

by  the  eye.    Example :  the  Greyhound. 

II.  SPANIELS. 

Characteristics.— Head  moderately  elongated ;  parietal  bones  do 
not  approach  each  other  above  the  temples,  but  diverge  and  swell 
out,  so  as  to  enlarge  the  forehead  and  cavity  of  the  brain. 
SECT.  4.  Pastoral  dogs,  or  such  as  are  employed  for  domestic  pur- 
poses.   Example :  Shepherd's  Dog. 


VARIETIES    OF   THE   DOC.  25 

SECT.  5.  Water  dogs,  which  delight  in  swimming.  Examples  : 
Newfoundland  Dog,  "Water-Spaniel,  etc. 

SECT.  6.  Fjwlers,  or  such  as  have  an  inclination  to  chase  or  point 
birds  by  scenting  only,  and  not  killing.  Examples: 
tli3  Setter,  the  Pointer,  the  Field-Spaniel,  etc. 

SECT.  7.  Hounds,  which  hunt  in  packs  by  scent,  and  kill  their 
game.  Examples :  the  Foxhound,  the  Harrier,  etc. 

SECT.  8.  Crossed  breeds,  for  sporting  purposes.  Example:  the  Re- 
triever. 

in.  HOUSE  DOGS. 

Characteristics. — Muzzle  more  or  less  shortened,  skull  high, 
frontal  sinuses  considerable,  condyle  of  the  lower  jaw  extending 
above  the  line  of  the  upper  cheek  teeth.  Cranium  smaller  in  this 
group  than  in  the  first  and  second,  in  consequence  of  its  peculiar 
formation. 

SECT.  9.  Watch  dogs,  which  have  no  propensity  to  hunt,  but  are 
solely  employed  in  the  defence  of  man,  or  his  prop- 
erty. Examples  :  the  Mastiff,  the  Bulldog,  the  Pug 
dog,  etc. 

As  before  remarked,  this  division  is  on  the  whole  founded  on 
natural  laws,  but  there  are  some  anomalies  which  we  shall  en- 
deavor to  remove.  For  instance,  the  greyhound  is  quite  as  readv 
to  hunt  in  packs  as  any  other  hound,  and  is  only  prevented  from 
doing  so  by  the  hand  of  his  master.  The  same  restraint  keeps  him 
from  using  his  nose,  or  he  could  soon  be  nearly  as  good  with  that 
orgin  as  with  the  eye.  So  also  Cuvier  defines  his  sixth  section  as 
"  having  an  inclination  to  chase  and  point  birds''  whereas  they 
have  as  great,  and  oftener  a  greater,  desire  for  hares  and  rabbits. 
Bearing  therefore  in  mind  these  trifling  defects,  we  shall  consider 
the  dog  under  the  following  heads  : 

CHAP.  I.  Wild  and  half -reclaimed  dogs,  hunting  in  packs. 
CHAP.  II.  Domesticated  dogs,  hunting  chiefly  by  the   eye,  and 
killing  their  game  for  the  use  of  man, 
2 


26  VARIETIES    OF   THE    DOG. 

CHAP.  III.  Domesticated  dogs,  hunting  chiefly  by  the  nose,  and 
both  finding  and  killing  their  game. 

CHAP.  IV.  Domesticated  dogs,  finding  game  by  scent,  but   not 
killing  it ;  being  chiefly  used  in  aid  of  the  gun. 

CHAP.  V.    Pastoral   dogs,    and   those   used   for  the  purposes  of 

draught 

CHAP.  VI.  Watch  dogs,  House  dogs,  and  Toy  dogs. 
CHAP.  VII.  Crossed  breeds,  Retrievers,  etc. 


Fig.   2.— THE  DINGO. 


CHAPTEE    II. 


WILD  AND  HALF-RECLAIMED  DOGS  HUNTING  IN  PACKS. — THE  DINGO. — THE 
DHOLE. — THE  PARIAH. — THE  WILD  DOG  OF  AFRICA. — THE  SOUTH- 
AMERICAN  DOG. — THE  NORTH-AMERICAN  DOG. — OTHER  WILD  DOGS. 


THE  DINGO. 

It  is  upon  the  great  similarity  between  these  wild  dogs  and  the 
wolf  or  fox,  that  the  supposition  is  founded  of  the  general  descent 
of  the  domesticated  dog  from  either  the  one  or  the  other.  After 
examining  the  portrait  of  the  dingo,  it  will  at  once  be  seen  that  it 
resembles  the  fox  so  closely  in  the  shape  of  its  body,  that  an  or- 
dinary observer  could  readily  mistake  it  for  one  of  that  species, 
while  the  head  is  that  of  the  wolf.  The  muzzle  is  long  and  pointed, 
the  ears  short  and  erect.  Hight  about  24  inches,  length  30  inches. 
His  coat  is  more  like  fur  than  hair,  and  is  composed  of  a  mix- 
27 


28  THE  DHOLE. 

ture  of  silky  and  woolly  hair,  the  former  being  of  a  deep  yellow, 
while  the  hitter  is  grey.  The  tail  is  long  and  bushy,  and  resem- 
bles that  of  the  fox,  excepting  in  carriage,  the  dingo  curling  it 
over  the  hip,  while  the  fox  trails  it  along  the  ground.*  While  in 
his  unreclaimed  state  this  dog  is  savage  and  unmanageable,  but  is 
easily  tame;l,  though  even  then  he  is  not  to  be  trusted,  and  when 
set  at  liberty  will  endeavor  to  escape.  Many  dingoes  have  been 
crossed  with  the  terrier,  and  have  been  exhibited  as  hybrids  be- 
tween the  dog  and  fox,  which  latter  animal  they  closely  resemble, 
with  the  single  exception  of  the  pendulous  tail.  Whenever,  there- 
fore, a  specimen  is  produced  which  is  said  to  be  this  hybrid,  every 
care  must  be  taken  to  ascertain  the  real  parentage  without  rely- 
big  upon  the  looks  alone. 


THE  DHOLE. 

The  native  will  dog  of  India,  called  the  Dhole,  resembles  the 
Bingo  in  all  but  the  tail,  which,  though  hairy,  is  not  at  all  bushy. 
The  following  ia  Captain  Williamson's  description,  extracted  from 
his  "  Orient.il  Fiel.1  Sports,"  which  is  admitted  to  be  a  very  accu- 
rate account  by  thase  who  have  been  much  in  India.  "  The 
dholes  are  of  the  size  of  a  small  greyhound.  Their  countenance  is 
e  ilivcne:!  by  unusu  illy  brilli.mt  eyes.  Their  body,  which  is  slen- 
der and  deep-cheste  1,  is  thinly  covered  by  a  coat  of  hair  of  a  red- 
dish brown  or  bay  color.  The  tail  is  dark  towards  its  extremity. 
The  limbs  are  light,  compact,  and  strong,  and  equally  calculated 
for  speed  and  power.  They  resemble  many  of  the  common  pariah 
dogs  in  form,  but  the  singularity  of  their  color  and  marks  at  once 
demonstrate  an  evident  distinction.  These  dogs  are  said  to  be 
perfectly  harmless  if  unmolested.  They  do  not  willingly  approach 
persons,  but,  if  they  chance  to  meet  any  in  their  course,  they  do 
not  show  any  particular  anxiety  to  escape.  They  view  the  human 

*Thc  engraving  of  the  Diniro  \v>is  tnk»n  from  au  animal  in  confinement,  in 
which  state  the  tail  is  seldom  curled  upward* 


WILD    AND    HALF-RECLAIMED    DOGS.  29 

race  rather  as  objects  of  curiosity  than  either  of  apprehension  or 
enmity.  The  natives  who  reside  near  the  Ranochitty  and  Kat- 
cunsandy  passes,  in  which  vicinity  the  dholes  may  frequently  be 
seen,  describe  them  as  confining  their  attacks  entirely  to  wild  ani- 
mals, and  assert  that  they  will  not  prey  on  sheep,  goats,  etc. ;  but 
others,  in  the  country  extending  southward  from  Jelinah  and 
Merhungunge,  maintain  that  cattle  are  frequently  lost  by  their 
depredations.  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  the  dhole  is  not  par- 
ticularly ceremonious,  but  will,  when  opportunity  offers,  and  a 
meal  is  wanting,  obtain  it  at  the  expense  of  the  neighboring 
village. 

"  The  peasants  likewise  state  that  the  dhole  is  eager  in  propor- 
tion to  the  animal  he  hunts,  preferring  the  elk  to  any  other  kind 
of  deer,  and  particularly  seeking  the  royal  tiger.  It  is  probable 
that  the  dhole  is  the  principal  check  on  the  multiplication  of  the 
tiger ;  and  although  incapable  individually,  or  perhaps  in  small 
numbers,  to  effect  the  destruction  of  so  large  and  ferocious  an 
animal,  may,  from  their  custom  of  hunting  in  packs,  easily  over- 
come any  smaller  beast  found  in  the  wilds  of  India."  Unlike 
most  dogs  which  hunt  in  packs,  the  dholes  run  nearly  mute,  utter- 
ing only  occasionally  a  slight  whimper,  which  may  serve  to  guide 
their  companions  equally  well  with  the  more  sonorous  tongues  of 
other  hounds.  The  speed  and  endurance  of  these  dogs  are  so  great 
as  to  enable  them  to  run  down  most  of  the  varieties  of  game  which 
depend  upon  flight  for  safety,  while  the  tiger,  the  elk,  and  the 
boar  diminish  the  numbers  of  these  animals  by  making  an  obsti- 
nate defence  with  their  teeth,  claws,  or  horns,  so  that  the  breed  of 
dholes  is  not  on  the  increase. 


THE  PARIAH. 


This  is  the  general  name  in  India  for  the  half-reclaimed  dogs 
•which  swarm  in  every  village,  owned  by  no  one  in  particular,  but 
ready  to  accompany  any  individual  on  a  hunting  excursion.  They 
vary  in  appearance  in  different  districts,  and  can  not  be  described 


30  AFRICAN    AND    AMERICAN   DOGS. 

very  particularly ;  but  the  type  of  the  pariah  may  be  said  to  re- 
semble the  dhole  in  general  characteristics,  and  the  breed  is  most 
probably  a  cross  with  that  dog  and  any  accidental  varieties  of 
domesticated  dogs  which  may  have  been  introduced  into  the  re- 
spective legalities.  They  are  almost  always  of  a  reddish  brown 
color,  very  this\  and  gaunt,  with  pricked  ears,  deep  chest,  and 
tucked  up  belly.  The  native  Indians  hunt  the  tiger  and  wild 
boar,  as  well  as  every  species  of  game,  with  these  dogs,  which 
have  good  noses  and  hunt  well,  and  though  they  are  not  so  hurh- 
couraged  as  our  British  hounds,  yet  they  often  display  considerable 
avidity  and  determination  in  "  going  in  "  to  their  formidable  op- 
ponents. 


THE   EKIA,   OR  WILD  AFRICAN  DOG. 

The  native  dogs  of  Africa  are  of  all  colors,  black,  brown,  and 
yellow,  or  red ;  and  they  hunt  in  packs,  giving  tongue  with  con- 
siderable force.  Though  not  exactly  wild,  they  are  not  owned  by 
any  individuals  among  the  inhabitants,  who,  being  mostly  Ma- 
hometans, have  an  abhorrence  of  the  dog,  which  by  the  Koran  is 
declared  to  be  unclean.  Hence  they  arc  complete  outcasts,  and 
obtain  a  scanty  living  either  by  hunting  wild  animals  where  they 
abound,  or,  in  those  populous  districts  where  game  is  scarce,  by 
davouring  the  offal  which  is  left,  in  the  streets  and  outskirts  of  the 
towns.  Tiie  Ekia,  also  called  the  Deab,  is  of  considerable  size, 
with  a  large  head,  small  pricked  ears,  and  round  muzzle.  His 
aspect  in  general  resembles  that  of  the  wolf,  excepting  in  color, 
which,  as  above  remarked,  varies  greatly,  and  in  the  tail,  which  is 
almost  always  spotted  or  variegated.  These  dogs  are  extremely 
savage,  probably  from  the  constant  abuse  which  they  meet  with, 
and  they  are  always  ready  to  attack  a  stranger  on  his  entrance  into 
any  of  the  villages  of  the  country.  They  are  revolting  animals, 
and  unworthy  of  the  species  they  belong  to. 


AFRICAN   AND    AMERICAN    DOGS.  31 

THE    NORTH   AND   SOUTH    AMERICAN   DOGS. 

A  great  variety  of  the  dog  tribe  is  to  be  met  with  throughout 
the  continent  of  America,  resembling  in  type  the  dingo  of  Aus- 
tralia, but  appearing  to  be  crossed  with  some  of  tlie  different  kinds 
introduced  by  Europeans.  One  of  tiie  most  remarkable  of  the 
South- American  dogs  is  the  Alco,  which  has  pendulous  ears,  with 
a  short  tail  and  hog-back,  and  is  suppose.!  to  be  descended  from 
the  native  dog  found  by  Columbus  ;  but,  even  allowing  this  to  be 
the  case,  it  is  of  course  much  intermixe  1  with  foreign  breeds.  The 
North- American  dogs  are  very  closely  allic.l  to  tho  dingo  m  all 
respects,  but  are  generally  snulbr  m  size,  and  arc  also  much 
crossed  with  European  breeds.  In  some  districts  they  burrow  in 
the  ground,  but  the  march  of  civilizition  is  yearly  diminishing 
their  numbers  throughout  the  continent  of  America. 


OTHER  WILD  DOGS. 

Many  other  varieties  of  the  wild  dog  are  described  by  travellers, 
but  they  all  resemble  one  or  other  of  the  above  kinds,  and  are  of 
little  interest  to  the  general  reader. 


Fig.   3.—  DEERHOUND,  BRAN. 

CHAPTER    III. 

DOMESTICATED  DOGS  HUNTING    CHIEFLY    BY   THE 
EYE,  AND  KILLING  THEIR  GAME  FOR  MAN'S  USE. 

THE  ROUGH  SCOTCH  GREYHOUND  AND  DEERHOUND.— THE  SMOOTH  OR 
ENGLISH  GREYHOUND. — THE  GAZEHOUND.  —  THEf  IRISH  GREYHOUND, 
OR  WOLF-DOG. — THE  FRENCH  MATIN — THE  HARE-INDIAN  DOG — THE 
ALBANIAN  DOG. — THE  GRECIAN  GREYHOUND. — THE  TURKISH  GREY 
HOUND.— THE  PERSIAN  GREYHOUND— THE  RUSSIAN  GREYHOUND.— THE 
ITALIAN  GREYHOUND. 


THE  ROUGH  SCOTCH  GREYHOUND  AND  DEERHOUND. 

This  breed  of  dogs  is,  I  believe,  one  of  the  oldest  and  purest  in 
existence,  but  it  is  now  rapidly  becoming  extinct,  being  supplanted 
in  public  estimation,  for  coursing  purposes,  by  the  English  grey- 
32 


ROUGH    SCOTCH    GREYHOUXD   AND    DEERHOUND.          33 

hound,  or  by  a  cross  between  the  two.  The  rough  greyhound  is 
identical  in  shape  and  make  with  the  pure  deerhound,  and  the  two 
can  only  be  distinguished  by  their  style  of  running  when  at  work 
or  play ;  the  deerhound,  though  depending  on  his  nose,  keeping 
his  head  much  higher  than  the  greyhound,  because  he  uses  this 
attitude  in  waiting  to  pull  down  his  game.  By  some  people  it  is 
supposed  that  the  smooth  variety  of  the  greyhound  is  as  old  as  the 
rough ;  but, on  carefully  examining  the  description  given  by  Arriaiij 
no  one  can  doubt  that  the  dog  of  his  day  was  rough  in  coat,  and 
in  all  respects  like  the  present  Scotch  dog.  In  shape,  the  Scotch 
greyhound  resembles  the  ordinary  smooth  variety,  but  he  is  rather 
more  lathy,  and  has  not  quite  the  same  muscular  development  of 
loin  and  thigh,  though,  the  bony  frame  being  more  fully  developed, 
this  is  perhaps  more  apparent  than  real. 

In  spite  of  the  external  form  being  the  same  in  the  rough  Scotch 
greyhound  used  for  coursing  hares,  and  the  deerhound,  there  can 
be  no  doubt  that  the  two  breeds,  from  having  been  kept  to  their 
own  game  exclusively,  are  specially  adapted  to  its  pursuit  by  in- 
ternal organization,  and  the  one  cannot  be  substituted  for  the 
other  with  advantage.  Generally  speaking,  the  deerhound  is  of 
larger  size  than  the  greyhound,  some  being  28  inches  high,  though 
this  size  is  not  very  uncommon  in  the  greyhound,  and  dogs  of 
26^  or  27  inches  ar j  frequently  seen.  Mr.  Scrope,  the  author  of 
."  Deer-stalking,"  gives  the  following  description  of  Buskar,  a  cele- 
brated deerhound  belonging  to  Captain  MoNeill  of  Colonsay,  viz.  : 
hight,  28  inches;  girth  round  the  chest,  32  inches;  running 
weight,  85  Ibs.;  color,  red  or  fawn,  with  black  muzzle.  Bran, 
whose  portrait  is  given  at  the  head  of  this  chapter,  and  which 
showed  all  the  points  of  the  deerhound,  was  by  Mr.  Stewart 
Hodgson's  Oscar,  of  the  breed  of  Mr.  McKenzie,  of  Ross-shire, 
Scotland.  The  measurement  of  this  noble  animal  was  as  fol- 
lows: from  nose  to  setting  on  of  the  tail,  47  inches;  tail,  22 
inches ;  hight,  32  inches ;  length  of  head,  12  inches ;  circumfer- 
ence of  head,  17|  inches ;  round  the  arm  at  the  elbow,  9|  inches ; 
girth  at  chest,  331  inches ;  girth  at  loin,  24  inches ;  round  the  thigh, 
17i  inches ;  round  lower  thigh  hock,  7  inches ;  knee,  7  inches.  To 


34  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

these  external  qualifications  were  added  great  speed  and  strength, 
combined  with  endurance  and  courage,  while  the  sagacity  and 
docility  of  the  dog  made  him  doubly  valuable.  He  was  used  for 
coursing  the  deer,  but  his  nose  was  good  enough  for  hunting,  even  a 
cold  scent,  as  was  the  case  with  all  of  his  breed.  Whether  or  not 
the  deerhound  can  now  be  procured  h*a  state  of  purity,  I  am  not 
prepared  to  say,  but  that  they  are  extremely  rare,  is  above  dispute, 
though  there  are  numberless  animals  resembling  them  in  form,  but 
all  more  or  less  crossed  with  the  foxhound,  bloodhound,  bulldog, 
etc.,  and  consequently  not  absolutely  pure.  Mr.  Scrope  himself, 
with  all  his  advantages,  could  not  succeed  in  obtaining  any,  and 
had  recourse  to  the  cross  of  the  greyhound  with  the  foxhound, 
which,  he  says,  answered  particularly  well ;  as,  according  to  his 
experience,  "you  get  the  speed  of  the  greyhound  with  just  enough 

of  the  nose  of  the  foxhound  to  answer  your  purpose In  point 

of  shape,  they  resemble  the  greyhound,  but  they  are  larger  in  the 
bone  and  shorter  in  the  leg.  Some  of  them,  when  in  slow  action, 
carry  the  tail  over  the  back  like  the  pure  foxhound  ;  their  dash  in 
making  a  cast  is  most  beautiful,  and  they  stand  all  sorts  of  rough 
weather."  He  advises  that  the  first  cross  only  should  be  employed, 
fearing  that,  as  in  some  other  instances,  the  ultimate  results  of  breed- 
ing back  to  either  strain,  or  of  going  on  with  the  two  crosses,  would 
be  unsatisfactory.  "  Maida,"  the  celebrated  deerhound  belonging 
to  Sir  Walter  Scott,  was  a  cross  of  the  greyhound  with  the  blood- 
hound, but  some  distance  off  the  latter.  The  bulldog  infusion  has 
the  disadvantage  of  making  the  deerhound  thus  bred,  attack  the 
deer  too  much  in  front,  by  which  he  is  almost  sure  to  be  impaled 
on  the  horns,  so  that,  in  spite  of  the  high  courage  of  the  breed,  it 
is  from  this  cause  quite  useless  in  taking  deer. 

The  rough  Scotch  greyhound,  as  used  for  coursing,  averages 
about  26  inches  in  the  dog,  and  22  or  23  inches  in  the  bitch ;  but 
as  above  remarked,  Us  use  is  almost  abandoned  in  public,  and 
those  which  are  still  bred  are  either  used  in  private,  or  are  kept 
entirely  for  their  ornamental  properties,  which  are  very  consider- 
able, and,  as  they  resemble  the  deerhound,  they  are  very  commonly 
passed  off  for  them.  They  are  of  all  colors,  but  the  most  common 


ROUGH    SCOTCH    GREYHOUND   AND    DEERHOUND.          35 

are  fawn,  red,  brindled  (either  red  and  black  mixed,  or  fawn  and 
blue),  grey,  and  black.  The  coat  is  harsh,  long,  and  rough,  espec- 
ially about  the  jaws,  where  the  hair  stands  out  like  that  of  a 
Scotch  terrier.  In  speed  they  are  about  equal  to  the  smooth  grey- 
hound, but  they  do  not  appear  to  be  quite  so  stout,  though  of  late 
we  have  had  no  opportunities  of  judging,  as  a  rough  greyhound 
in  public  is  rare  in  the  extreme.  Mr.  A.  Graham,  who  formerly 
was  celebrated  for  his  breed  of  these  dogs,  has  now  abandoned 
their  use,  excepting  when  largely  crossed  with  the  smooth  grey- 
hound, for  which  purpose  they  seem  well  suited,  when  the  former 
are  too  small  or  too  delicate  for  the  work  they  have  to  do.  But  as 
these  are  now  bred  of  a  much  more  hardy  kind  than  formerly,  so 
that  they  will  stand  cold  and  wet  almost  as  well  as  the  Scotch 
dog,  there  is  little  necessity  for  resorting  to  the  cross,  and  it  is  ac- 
cordingly abandoned  by  almost  all  the  breeders  of  the  animal. 
Nevertheless,  some  of  the  best  dogs  of  the  present  day  have  a 
strain  of  the  rough  dog  in  them,  but  it  is  gradually  dying  out  as 
compared  with  ten  or  twenty  years  ago.  It  is  alleged,  and  I  fancy 
with  some  truth,  that  the  rough  dog  runs  cunning  sooner  than  the 
smooth,  and  hence  the  cross  is  objected  to ;  and  certainly  many 
litters  of  greyhounds  bred  in  this  way  within  the  last  few  years 
have  been  remarkable  for  this  objectionable  vice. 

The  points,  or  desirable  external  characteristics  of  this  breed, 
with  the  exception  of  the  rough  coat,  are  so  similar  to  those  of 
the  smooth  greyhound,  that  the  two  may  be  considered  together. 


36  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 


Fig.  4.— PAIR  OF  SMOOTH  GREYHOUNDS— RIOT  AND  DAVID. 

THE  SMOOTH  GREYHOUND. 

This  elegant  animal  appears  to  have  existed  in  Britain  from  a 
very  early  period,  being  mentioned  in  a  very  old  Wel-h  proverb, 
and  a  law  of  King  Canute  having  precluded  the  commonalty  from 
keeping  him.  Numberless  hypotheses  have  been  brought  forward 
relative  to  the  origin  of  the  greyhound,  Buffon  tracing  him  to  the 
French  nation,  and  some  other  writers  fancying  that  they  could 
with  more  probability  consider  him  as  the  descendant  of  the  bull- 
dog or  the  mastiff.  But  as  I  believe  that  it  is  impossible  to  ascer- 
tain with  any  degree  of  certainty  the  origin  of  the  species  Canis,  so 
I  am  quite  satisfied  with  the  conclusion  that  no  long-standing  va- 
riety can  be  traced  to  its  source.  We  must,  therefore,  be  content 
to  take  each  as  we  find1  it,  and  rest  content  with  investigating  its 
present  condition ;  perhaps  in  some  cases  extending  our  researches 
back  for  fifty  or  a  hundred  years,  and  even  then  we  shall  often 
find  that  we  are  lost  in  a  sea  of  doubt. 

Until  within  the  last  twenty-five  years  public  coursing  was  con- 


THE    SMOOTH    G1IEYHOUND.  3? 

fined  to  a  very  limited  circle  of  competitors,  partly  owing  to  the 
careful  retention  of  the  best  blood  in  the  kennels  of  a  chosen  few, 
but  chiefly  to  the  existing  game  laws,  which  made  it  imperative 
that  every  person  coursing  should  not  only  have  a  certificate,  but 
also  a  qualification,  that  is  to  say,  the  possession  of  landed  prop- 
erty to  the  value  of  one  hundred  pounds  per  annum.  Hence  the 
sport  was  forbidden  to  the  middle  classes,  and  it  was  not  until 
1831  that  it  was  thrown  open  to  them.  From  that  time  to  the 
present  the  possession  of  the  greyhound  has  been  coveted  and 
obtained  by  great  numbers  of  country  gentlemen  and  farmers  in 
rural  districts,  and  by  professional  men  as  well  as  tradesmen  in  our 
cities  and  towns,  so  that  the  total  number  in  Great  Britain  and 
Ireland  may  be  estimated  at  about  fifteen  or  twenty  thousand.  Of 
these  about  five  or  six  thousand  are  kept  for  public  coursing,  while 
the  remainder  amuse  their  owners  by  coursing  the  hare  in  private. 

Various  explanations  have  been  offered  of  the  etymology  of  the 
prefix  grey,  somo  contending  that  the  color  is  implied,  others  that 
it  means  Greek  (Grains),  while  a  third  party  understand  it  to  mean 
great.  But  as  there  is  a  remarkable  peculiarity  in  this  breed  con- 
nected with  it,  we  need  not,  I  think,  go  farther  for  the  derivation. 
No  other  breed,  I  believe,  has  the  blue  or  grey  color  prevalent;  and 
those  which  possess  it  at  all  have  it  mixed  with  white,  or  other 
color ;  as,  for  instance,  the  blue-mottled  harrier,  and  the  blotched 
blue  and  brown  S3en  in  some  other  kinds.  The  greyhound,  on  the 
contrary,  has  the  pure  blue  or  iron  grey  color  very  commonly ;  and 
although  this  shade  is  not  admired  by  any  lovers  of  the  animal  for 
its  beauty,  it  will  make  its  appearance  occasionally.  Hence  it  may 
fairly  be  considered  a  peculiarity  of  the  breed,  and  this  grey  color 
may,  therefore,  with  a  fair  show  of  probability,  have  given  the 
name  to  the  greyhound. 

In  describing  the  greyhound  it  is  usual,  and  indeed  almost  neces- 
sary, to  consider  him  as  used  for  the  two  purposes  already  men- 
tioned, that  is  to  say, — 1st,  as  the  private,  and  2ndly,  as  the  public, 
greyhound  ;  for  though  externally  there  is  no  difference  whatever, 
yet  in  the  more  delicate  organization  of  his  brain  and  nerves  there 
is  some  obscure  variation,  by  which  he  is  rendered  more  swift  and 


38  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING    DOGS. 

clever  in  the  one  case,  and  more  stout  and  honest  hi  the  other.  In 
the  horse  the  eye  readily  detects  the  thoroughbred,  but  this  is  not 
the  case  here :  for  there  are  often  to  be  met  with  most  beautifully 
formed  greyhounds  of  private  blood,  which  it  would  be  impossible 
to  distinguish  from  the  best  public  breeds  by  their  appearance,  but 
which  in  actual  trial  would  be  sure  to  show  defective  speed  and 
sagacity.  This  being  the  case,  I  shall  tirst  describe  the  general 
characteristics  of  both,  and  afterwards  those  in  which  they  differ 
from  one  another. 

The  points  of  the  greyhound  will  be  described  at  length,  because 
as  far  as  speed  goes,  he  rnay  be  taken  as  the  type  to  which  all 
other  breeds  are  referred  ;  but,  before  going  into  these  particulars, 
it  will  be  interesting  to  examine  the  often-quoted  doggrel  rhymesi 
which  are  founded  upon  a  longer  effusion  originally  published  by 
Wynkyn  de  Worde  in  1496,  and  to  institute  a  comparison  between 
the  greyhound  of  the  fifteenth  and  nineteenth  centuries.  In  the 
former  of  these  periods  it  was  said  that  this  dog  should  have — 

"  The  head  of  a  snake, 
The  neck  of  the  drake, 
A  back  like  a  beam, 
A  side  like  a  bream, 
The  tail  of  a  rat, 
And  the  foot  of  a  cat." 

Now,  although  the  several  points  herein  mentioned  may  be  en- 
larged upon,  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  dissent  from  any  one  of 
them ;  but,  as  all  my  readers  may  not  exactly  know  the  form 
which  is  meant  to  be  conveyed  by  the  side  of  a  bream  for  instance, 
it  is  necessary  to  explain  it  in  more  intelligible  language. 

1st.  The  HEAD,  it  is  said,  should  be  snake-like,  but  this  is  not  to 
be  taken  literally,  as  that  of  the  snake  differs  considerably  from 
the  head  of  any  specimen  of  the  greyhound  which  has  ever  come 
under  my  observation.  Every  snake's  head  is  flat  and  broad,  with 
the  nose  or  snout  also  quite  compressed,  while  the  head  of  the 
greyhound,  though  flat  at  the  top,  is  comparatively  circular  in  its 
transverse  section,  and  the  nose  is  irregularly  triangular.  There 
js  no  doubt  that  the  greyhound  of  former  days,  before  the  cross  of 


THE   SMOOTH    GREYHOUND.  41 

the  bulldog  was  introduced,  had  a  much  smaller  head  than  that 
which  is  now  seen ;  and  I  also  believe  that  some  breeds  at  present 
existing  may  be  ascertained  to  be  free  from  this  cross,  by  their 
small  brain-cases ;  but,  still,  none  have  the  perfectly  flat  head  of 
the  reptile  in  question.  The  tyro,  therefore,  who  looks  for  a  literal 
interpretation  of  the  first  line  of  the  rhyme  will  be  disappointed. 
My  own  belief  is  that  a  full  development  of  brain  gives  courage 
and  sagacity,  but  leads  to  such  a  rapid  acquirement  of  knowl- 
edge relative  to  the  wiles  practised  by  the  hare,  as  to  make  the 
dog  possessing  it  soon  useless  for  anything  but  killing  his  game, 
which  he  is  often  able  to  do  with  absolute  certainty.  Hence  it  is 
important  to  bear  this  in  mind,  and  to  take  care  not  to  overdo  this 
characteristic.  In  all  cases,  the  more  the  development  is  increased 
behind  the  ears,  the  higher  will  be  the  courage ;  and  if  this  can  be 
obtained  without  a  corresponding  increase  in  the  diameter  in  front 
of  those  organs,  there  will  be  no  attendant  disadvantage,  as  the 
intellectual  faculties  no  doubt  reside  in  the  anterior  part  of  the 
brain.  The  best  average  measurement  opposite  the  ear  in  dogs  of 
full  size  is  about  15  inches,  and  for  bitches,  14  or  14|.  The  jaw 
should  be  very  lean,  and  diminishing  suddenly  from  the  head,  not 
gradually  falling  off  in  one  uniform  line^  The  teeth  are  of  great 
importance,  as,  unless  they  are  strong  and  good,  the  hare  cannot 
be  seized  and  held.  They  should  be  white,  strong,  and  regular, 
showing  strength  of  constitution,  as  well  as  being  useful  in  the 
course.  As  a  rule,  the  incisor  teeth  meet  each  other,  bat  some  dogs 
are  underhung  like  the  bulldog,  and  others  the  reverse,  like  the 
pig ;  that  is  to  say,  one  or  other  set  of  teeth  overlaps  those  above 
or  below,  as  the  case  may  be.  The  former  is  not  of  much  conse- 
quence, unless  very  much  marked,  when  it  diminishes  the  chance 
of  holding  the  hare;  but  the  latter  is  certainly  prejudicial,  and  a 
"  pig-jawed"  greyhound  should  never  be  selected,  though  I  have 
known  one  or  two  good  killers  with  this  formation.  The  eye 
should  be  bright  and  tolerably  full,  the  color  varying  with  that  of 
the  coat.  The  ears  are  generally  recommended  to  be  soft  and  fall- 
ing, and  pricked  ears  are  despised,  as  being  terrier-like,  but  some 
good  breeds  possess  them,  nevertheless,  probably  deriving  them 


42  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

from  the  bulldog.  I  cannot,  therefore,  lay  any  great  stress  upon 
this  point  in  the  formation  of  the  head. 

The  NECK  also,  though  compared  to  that  of  a  drake,  is  a  long 
way  from  being  as'  thin,  but,  nevertheless,  it  may  be  said  that  it 
should  be  as  drake-like  as  possible.  The  object  of  this  is  to  enable 
the  greyhound  to  stoop  and  bear  the  hare  without  being  put  out  of 
his  stride.  The  proper  average  length  of  the  neck  is  about  equal 
to  that  of  the  head. 

The  beam-like  BACK  is  all-important,  for  without  strength  in  this 
department,  though  high  speed  may  be  obtained  for  a  short  dis- 
tance, it  is  impossible  to  maintain  it,  and  then  we  have  a  flashy 
animal,  who  is  brought  up  at  the  end  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile. 
What  is  meant  by  the  comparison  to  the  beam  is  not  only  that  it 
shall  b3  strong,  but  that  the  back  shall  have  the  peculiar  square 
form  of  that  object.  There  is  a  long  muscle  which  runs  from  the 
hip  forwards  to  be  attached  to  the  angles  of  the  ribs,  anJ  inis,  if 
well  daveloped,  gives  great  power  in  turning,  so  that  it  is  a  very 
esssnthi  point,  and  upon  the  size  of  it  the  squareness  mainly  de- 
pon.ls.  Without  width  of  hip  no  back  can  be  strong,  since  the 
muscles  have  no  possibility  of  attachment  in  Sufficient  breadth, 
and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  ribs.  In  examining,  therefore,  a  dog 
out  of  condition,  the  experienced  eye  often  detects  the  probability 
of  the  futur3  development  of  a  good  back,  even  though  there  is  no 
appearance  of  muscle  at  the  time ;  because,  the  bones  being  of 
good  size  and  breadth,  there  is  every  reason  to  expect,  with  health 
and  good  feeding,  that  they  will  be  covered  by  their  usual  mov- 
ing powers,  and  will  then  show  the  substance  which  is  desired. 
It  is  also  desirable  to  have  depth  of  back  from  above  down- 
wards, by  which  the  whole  body  is  "buckled  and  unbuckled" 
witli  quickness  and  power,  as  is  required  in  the  gallop.  The 
muscles  of  the  abdomen  may  draw  the  chest  towards  the  hind  legs 
powerfully,  but  the  action  is  too  slow,  and  for  quick  contraction 
those  of  the  under  side  of  the  back  are  essential. 

By  the  SIDE  is  to  be  understood  the  chest,  which  is  composed  of 
the  two  sides  combined.  The  bream-like  form  of  this  part  depends 
upon  the  width  at  the  angles  of  the  ribs,  where  they  curve  towards 


THE   SMOOTH   GREYHOUND.  43 

the  backbone,  and  upon  which,  as  I  before  observed,  the  size  of  the 
back  depends.  Very  round  ribs  like  a  barrel  are  not  so  desirable 
as  the  squ  ired  for.n  which  I  nave  alluded  to,  for  several  reasons 
which  will  be  given  under  the  anatomical  description  of  this  part. 
Great  depth  of  chest  is  apt  to  prevent  the  dog  stooping  on  rou£h 
ground,  as  he  strikes  it  against  high  ridges  or  large  stones,  but  a 
moderately  deep  chest  is  a  valuable  point,  giving  plenty  of  "  bel- 
lows' room  "  as  it  is  popularly  called.  This,  however,  is  provided 
for  better  by  breadth  than  depth,  and  the  former  should  be  insisted 
on  more  than  the  latter,  provided  there  is  not  that  round  tub-like 
form  of  the  ribs  which  interferes  with  the  action  of  the  shoulder- 
blades,  and  often  accompanies  low-breeding. 

A  rat-like  TAIL  is  insisted  upon,  not  as  of  absolute  use  in  any 
way,  but  as  a  sign  of  high  breeding,  without  which  it  is  well  known 
the  greyhound  is  comparatively  valueless.  But  it  must  be  under- 
stood that  it  is  only  in  the  size  of  the  bones  that  the  similarity 
should  be  insisted  on,  for  many  goo  1  breeds  have  a  considerable 
quantity  of  hair  upon  the  tail,  though  this  never  ought  to  be  in  a 
bushy  form.  A  slight  fan-like  distribution  of  hair  is  not  therefore  to 
be  considered  objectionable,  and  in  puppies  is  a  mark  of  hardihood. 

Cat-like  FEET  are  much  insisted  on,  and  this  point  has  been  so 
much  atl  ended  to  that  some  breeds  have  been  produced  remarkable 
for  having  their  feet  even  more  round  than  those  of  the  cat. 
Their  toes  seem  to  be  the  only  parts  touching  the  ground,  the  pad 
appearing  as  if  it  was  not  in  contact  with  it.  This  form  I  believe 
to  bo  an  exaggeration  of  a  goo  3  point,  as  all  dogs  so  provided  are 
very  apt  to  draw  their  nails,  or  break  their  toes,  both  of  which 
accidents  it  is  of  great  importance  to  avoid.  The  most  essential 
point,  therefore,  is  such  a  form  of  foot  as  will  prevent  the  toesf 
spreading,  taking  care  that  the  knuckles  are  well  up,  by  which  a 
good  foothold  is  secured.  But  beyond  this  it  is  necessary  to  pro- 
vide for  t jc  wear  and  tear  which  the  sole  of  the  foot  incurs,  and 
hence  a  thick  pad  well  covered  with  hard  skin  is  to  be  insisted  on. 
If  the  greyhound  has  this  he  will  stand  his  work,  while  its  absence 
renders  him  at  all  times  liable  to  become  footsore,  and  incapable 
of  doing  it. 


44  DOMESTICATED   HtTNTlNG-DOGS. 

The  HIND  QUARTER  is  entirely  overlooked  in  the  rhymes  above- 
mentioned,  but  it  is  of  the  greatest  importance  nevertheless,  being 
the  chief  element  of  progression.  First  of  all,  we  should  insist 
upon  a  good  framawork,  which,  presenting  the  levers  acted  on  by 
the  muscles,  must  be  in  proper  form,  and  of  sufficient  length  and 
btrength.  Thus  it  is  usual  in  examining  puppies  for  selection  to 
extend  them  to  their  full  length,  and  then  the  one  which  stretches 
over  the  greatest  distancs  is  supposed  to  be  the  best  in  this  point, 
and  (other  things  baing  equal)  very  properly  so.  Thus,  then,  we 
arrive  at  the  conclusion  that  the  hinder  limbs  should  be  made  up 
of  long  bones ;  but  they  must  be  united  by  well-formed  joints,  and 
in  order  that  the  dog  shall  not  stand  too  high  they  should  be  well 
bent,  though  if  the  fore  part  of  the  dog  is  lower  than  the  hind,  there 
is  no  necessity  for  the  presence  of  this  form,  as  it  comes  to  the  same 
thing  in  reality.  Strong  bony  stifle-joints  and  hocks,  with  great 
length  bstwoen  them  and  from  the  stifle  to  the  hip,  united  with  a 
short  leg,  constitute  the  perfection  of  form  in  the  hind  quarter,  if, 
as  is  almost  always  the  case,  the  muscles  covering  them  are  strong 
enoug'i  to  put  them  in  action. 

Th3  FORE  QUARTER  is  composed  of  the  shoulder,  the  upper  arm 
(between  it  and  the  elbow),  the  fore-arm  (below  the  elbow),  the 
knee,  the  leg,  and  the  foot.  The  shoulder  should  be  oblique,  well 
covered  with  muscles,  and  moving  freely  on  the  ribs,  which  it  sel- 
dom does  if  the  two  blades  are  kept  wide  apart  at  their  upper 
edges  by  the  tub-like  form  of  the  chest,  described  under  that  head. 
Hence  we  should  examine,  and  anxiously  look  for,  length  of 
shoulder-blade,  which  cannot  exist  without  obliquity;  freedom  of 
play,  without  which  the  fore  quarter  is  not  protruded  in  the  gallop 
as  it  ought  to  be  ;  and  muscular  development  to  bear  the  shocks  to 
which  this  part  is  subject.  The  arm  also  should  be  long,  so  as  to 
raise  the  point  of  the  shoulder  high  enough  to  make  the  blade  lie 
at  an  angle  of  45°  with  the  horizon,  and  to  throw  the  elbow  well 
back  to  take  the  weight  of  the  body.  With  regard  to  the  elbow 
itself,  the  joint  must  be  placed  in  the  same  plane  as  the  body  ;  that 
is  to  say,  the  point  of  the  elbow  should  not  project  either  inwards 
or  outwards.  In  the  former  case,  the  feet  are  turned  out,  and  then 


THE    SMOOTH    GREYHOUND.  45 

there  is  a  want  of  liberty  in  the  play  of  the  whole  shoulder,  be- 
cause the  elbow  rubs  against  the  ribs,  and  interferes  with  the 
action.  This  is  called  being  "  tied  at  the  elbow,"  and  is  most  care- 
fully to  be  avoided  in  selecting  the  greyhound,  as  well  as  all  other 
breeds.  The  arm  should  be  straight,  long,  and  well  clothed  with 
muscle.  The  knee  should  be  bony,  and  not  bent  too  much  back, 
which  is  an  element  of  weakness,  though  seldom  to  such  an  extent 
as  to  be  prejudicial  to  real  utility.  The  leg,  or  bones  below  the 
knee,  should  be  of  good  size,  the  stopper  (or  upper  pad)  well 
united  to  it,  and  firm  in  texture,  and  supported  upon  a  foot  of  the 
formation  recommended  under  that  head. 

The  COLORS  commonly  met  with  among  high-bred  greyhounds, 
are  black,  blue,  red,  fawn,  brindled,  and  white,  variously  mixed. 
There  are  also  sometimes  seen  cream,  yellow,  brown,  dun,  and 
grey  dogs.  When  a  plain  color  is  speckled  with  small  white  marks, 
the  dog  is  said  to  be  ticked.  The  black,  red,  and  fawn  are  the 
most  highly  prized  by  most  coursers,  especially  when  the  last  two 
have  black  muzzles.  Some  people  are  partial  to  blue  dogs,  of 
which  several  good  specimens  have  been  met  with,  as  may  also  be 
said  of  the  brindled  color,  but,  as  before  remarked,  the  genera] 
opinion  is  in  favor  of  black,  red,  and  fawn.  I  believe  that  black, 
red,  and  white,  may  be  considered  as  the  primary  colors,  and  that 
the  others  arise  out  of  their  mixture  in  breeding.  Thus  a  black 
dog  and  a  white  bitch  will  produce  either  blacks,  whites,  black  and 
whites,  blues,  or  greys  ;  while  a  red  dog  and  white  bitch  will  have 
red,  white,  fawn,  red  and  white,  yellow,  or  cream  puppies.  Black 
and  red  unite:!  togethsr  make  the  red  with  black  muzzle  or  the 
black  brindle,  while  the  blue  and  fawn  give  rise  to  the  blue  brin- 
die ;  or  sometimes  we  see  the  black  or  blue  tanned  color,  as  we 
meet  with  commonly  enough  in  the  setter,  spaniel,  and  terrier, 
Mr.  T hacker  was  of  opinion,  with  some  of  the  early  writers  on 
the  greyhound,  that  the  brindle  was  a  mark  of  the  descent  from 
the  bulldog  ;  but,  as  nothing  is  known  of  the  time  when  the  color 
first  appeared,  no  reliance  can  be  placed  on  the  hypothesis. 

The  texture  of  the  COAT  is  the  last  point  upon  which  any  reli- 
ance is  placed,  but,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  there  is  little 


46  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

to  be  gainaJ  from  it.  Nevertheless,  I  should  always  discard  a  very 
soft  woolly  co.it  as  being  an  evidence  of  a  weak  constitution,  uaubie 
to  bear  exposure  to  weather,  and,  on  that  account,  unlit  for  thj 
purposes  of  the  courser.  The  old  breeds  were,  many  of  them, 
very  bald  about  the  cheeks  and  thighs,  and  this  used  to  be  consid- 
ered a  mark  of  good  blood ;  but,  since  the  intermixture  of  the 
rough  greyhound,  most  of  our  best  sorts  have  been  free  from 
this  peculiarity,  and  many  of  them  have  had  hard  rough  coats, 
quite  unlike  the  fine  and  thin  hair,  which  was  formerly  so  highly 
piized.  My  own  impression  is  in  favor  of  a  firm,  glossy,  and 
somewhat  greasy-feeling,  coarse  coat,  which  stanJs  wetting  well, 
and  at  the  sani3  time  looks  healthy  and  handsouio  to  the  eye. 

The  relative  value  of  these  several  points  varies  a  good  deal 
from  those  of  dogs  whose  breeding  can  chiefly  bo  arrived  at  by 
external  signs — e.g.,  the  stern,  color,  and  coat  in  tlie  pointer  ani 
setter.  Here  the  pedigree  is  well  known  for  many  generations ; 
and  therefore,  although  the  breeding  may  be  guessod  at  from  the 
appearance  of  the  individual,  it  is  far  better  to  depend  upon  t'.ie 
evidence  afforded  by  the  Coursing  Calendar,  or  if  that  is  not  forth- 
coming, to  avoid  having  anything  to  do  with  breeding  from  the 
strain.  I  quote  :  , 

a  In  measuring  a  dog,  I  should  take  only  the  following  points, 
which  should  be  nearly  of  the  proportions  here  given  in  one  of 
average  size : 

"  Principal  points  :  Hight  at  the  shoulder,  25  in.  ;  length  from 
shoulder  point  to  apex  of  last  rib,  15  in. ;  length  of  apex  of  last 
rib  to  back  of  buttock,  13  in.  to  15  in. ;  length  from  front  of  thigh 
round  buttock  to  front  of  other  thigh,  21  in. 

"  But  to  be  more  minute,  it  is  as  well  to  measure  also  the  subor= 
dinate  points  as  under :  Circumference  of  head  between  eyes  and 
ears,  14£  in.  to  15  in. ;  length  of  neck,  9  in.  to  10  in.  ;  circumfer- 
ence of  chest,  28  in.  to  30  in.  in  condition  ;  length  of  arm,  9  in. ; 
length  of  knee  to  the  ground,  4£  in. ;  circumference  of  the  loin, 
18  in.  to  19  in.,  in  running  condition ;  length  of  upper  thigh,10i  in. ; 
lower  thigh,  11  in. ;  and  leg  from  hock  to  ground,  5£  in.  to  6  in. 

"  In  taking  these  measurements,  the  fore  legs  should,  as  nearly 


THE    SMOOTH    GKEYHOUND.  47 

as  possible,  be  perpendicular,  and  the  hind  ones  only  moderately 
extended  backwards." 

The  specimens  selected  for  illustrations  are  Riot  and  David, 
which  were  perhaps  the  bsst  greyhounds  for  all  kinds  of  ground 
which  ever  ran,  not  even  excepting  the  two  treble  winners  of  the 
Waterloo  Cup,  as  they  were  not  tried  over  the  downs.  Riot  was 
the  property  of  Mr.  C.  Randell,  of  Chadbury,  and  was  not  only 
the  winner  of  seventy-four  courses  in  public,  with  the  loss  of  only 
ten,  but  she  was  also  the  dam  of  several  good  greyhounds.  Davkl 
had  also  the  same  double  distinction,  but  was  not  quite  so  cele- 
brated in  the  coursing  field  as  the  bitch.  He  had,  however,  the 
advantage  at  the  stud,  as  might  be  expected  from  his  sex,  and  a 
goodly  list  of  winners  are  credited  to  bim. 

In  the  CHOICE  OF  A  GKEYHOUND  I  have  already  observed  that 
we  must  be  guided  by  other  considerations  besides  make  and 
shape,  depending  greatly  upon  the  precise  object  which  the  in- 
tending possessor  has  in  view,  since,  although  the  high-bred  and 
low-bred  greyhounds  are  alike  externally,  yet  there  is  in  their  in- 
ternal structure  some  difference  beyond  the  ken  of  our  senses. 
But,  as  it  is  found  by  experience  that  in  this  particular  "  like  pro- 
duces like,"  it  is  only  necessary  to  be  assured  that  the  parents  pos- 
sessed this  internal  formation,  whatever  it  may  be,  in  order  to  be 
satisfied  that  their  descendants  will  inherit  it.  Thus  we  arrive 
at  the  necessity  for  "  good  breed,"  or  "  pure  blood,"  as  the  same 
thing  is  called  in  different  language,  both  merely  meaning  that  the 
ancestors,  for  some  generations,  have  been  remarkabls  for  the  pos- 
session of  the  qualities  most  desired,  whatever  they  may  be. 
H^nce,  in  selecting  greyhounds  to  breed  from,  the  pedigree  for 
many  generations  is  scrutinized  with  great  c-ire,  and  if  there  is  a 
single  flaw  it  is  looked  at  with  suspicion,  because  the  bad  is  almost 
sure  to  peep  out  throug'i  any  amount  ol  good  blood. 

T'le  modes  of  breeding,  ma-ia^in-r,  breaking,  and  using  the 
greyhound,  will  be  described  later  on  in  the  volume. 


48  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

THE  IRISH  GREYHOUND,   OR  WOLF-DOG. 

This  fine  animal  is  now,  I  believe,  extinct,  though  there  are  still 
gome  gentlemen  who  maintain  that  they  possess  the  breed  in  all 
its  pristine  purity  of  blood.  They  are  much  larger  than  the  deer- 
hound,  some  of  them  being  35  or  even  38  inches  high,  but  resem- 
bling that  dog  in  shape,  being  generally  of  a  fawn  color,  with  a 
rough  coat  and  pendent  ears.  They  were  formerly  used  for  the 
purpose  of  hunting  the  wolf. 


THE  MATIN. 

The  French  matin  is  not  a  very  distinct  dog,  comprehending  ail 
immense  variety  of  animals,  which  in  England  would  be  called 
lurchers,  or  sheep  dogs,  according  to  the  uses  to  which  they  are 
put.  The  head  has  the  elongated  form  of  this  division  of  the  dog, 
with  a  flat  forehead;  the  ears  stand  up,  but  are  pendulous  towards 
the  tip,  and  the  color  varies  from  red  to  fawn.  He  is  about  24 
inches  high,  lias  strong  muscular  action,  and  is  very  courageous, 
being  employed  in  hunting  the  wild  boar  and  wolf.  This  dog  is 
said,  by  F.  Cuvier,  to  be  the  progenitor  of  the  greyhound  and 
deerhound ;  but  Pennant,  on  the  contrary,  considers  him  to  be  de« 
scended  from  the  Irish  wolf-dog. 


THE   HAKE-i^DIAN   DOQ. 


Fig.   5. — THE  HAKE-INDIAN  DOG. 


THE  HARE-INDIAN  DOG. 

The  Hare-Indian  dog  inhabits  the  country  watered  by  the  Mac- 
kenzie River  and  the  Great  Bear  Lake  of  America,  where  it  is  used 
to  hunt  the  moose  and  reindeer  by  sight,  aided  occasionally  by  its 
powers  of  scent,  which  are  by  no  means  contemptible,  but  kept  in 
abeyance  by  disuse.  The  feet  are  remarkable  for  spreading  on 
the  snow,  so  as  to  prevent  them  from  sinking  into  it,  and  to  enable 
the  dog  to  bound  lightly  over  a  surface  which  the  moose  sinks  into 
at  every  stride.  The  hight  is  about  25  inches,  combined  with 
great  strength.  The  ears  are  broad  at  the  base,  and  pointed  to- 
wards the  tips,  being  perfectly  erect.  The  tail  is  thick,  bushy, 
and  slightly  curved,  but  not  so  much  so  as  in  the  Esquimaux  dog. 
The  hair  is  long  and  straight;  the  ground  color  being  white, 
marked  with  large,  irregular  patches  of  greyish  black,  shaded  with 
brown. 


50  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

THE  ALBANIAN  DOG. 

The  Albanian  dog  is  said  to  stand  about  27  or  28  inches  high, 
with  a  long  pointed  muzzle,  powerful  body,  strong  and  muscular 
limbs,  and  a  long  bushy  tail,  carried  like  that  of  the  Newfoundland 
dog.  His  hair  is  very  fine  and  close,  being  of  a  silky  texture,  and 
of  a  fawn  color,  variously  clouded  with  brown.  He  is  used  for 
hunting  the  wild  boar  and  wolf,  as  well  as  for  the  purpose  of 
guarding  the  sheep-fold  from  the  latter ;  but  the  accounts  of  this 
dog  vaiy  greatly,  and  are  not  much  to  be  relied  on. 


THE    GRECIAN    GREYHOUND. 

This  elegant  animal  is  somewhat  smaller  than  the  English  dog. 
The  hair  is  longer  and  slightly  wavy,  the  tail  also  being  clothed 
with  a  thin  brush  of  hair.  This  is  supposed  to  be  the  same  breed 
as  the  greyhound  of  Xenophon,  the  Athenian. 


THE    RUSSIAN    GREYHOUND. 

This  variety  of  the  greyhound  hunts  well  by  scent,  and,  being  at 
the  same  time  fast  and  stout,  he  is  used  for  the  destruction  of  the 
wolves  and  bears  which  inhabit  the  Russian  forests,  and  also  for 
coursing  the  deer  and  the  hare.  For  this  latter  sport  he  is  well 
adapted ;  but,  being  somewhat  deficient  in  courage  and  strength^ 
he  is  hardly  a  match  for  the  wolf  and  bear,  excepting  in  packs. 

The  Russian  greyhound  is  about  26  or  27  inches  high,  with 
short  pricked  ears,  turned  over  at  the  tips ;  he  is  rather  thin  and 
weak  in  the  back  and  loins,  and  long  on  the  leg.  The  coat  is 
thick,  but  not  long,  excepting  the  hair  of  the  tail,  which  is  fanlike, 
with  a  spiral  twist  of  a  peculiar  form.  The  color  is  dark  brown 
or  grey.  I  am  not  aware  of  any  undoubted  specimen  of  this  breed 
having  been  imported  into  England,  nor  of  a  correct  portrait 


TURKISH    AND    PERSIAN    GREYHOUNDS.  51 

having:  been  painted ;  so  my  readers  must  depend  upon  description 
alone. 


THE    TURKISH    GREYHOUND. 

A  small  and  almost  hairless  do;?,  of  the  greyhound  kind,  is  met 
with  in  Turkey,  but  it  is  not  common  in  that  country,  and  1  have 
never  seen  a  specimen  or  even  a  good  portrait  of  it. 


THE    PERSIAN    GREYHOUND 

Is  an  elegant  animal,  beautifully  formed  in  all  points,  and  re- 
sembling the  Italian  in  delicacy  of  proportions.  In  Persia  he  is 
used  for  coursing  the  hare  and  antelope,  as  well  as  sometimes  the 
wild  ass.  When  the  antelope  is  the  object  of  the  chase,  relays  of 
greyhounds  are  stationed  "where  the  game  is  likely  to  resort  to,  and 
slipped  each  in  their  turn  as  the  antelope  passes. 

The  Persian  greyhound  is  about  24  inches  high.  The  ears  are 
pendulous  like  those  of  t'jc  GrocLin  dog,  and  hairy  like  those  of  the 
English  setter,  but  in  other  respects  he  resembles  the  English 
smooth  greyhound,  with  the  exception  of  the  tail,  which  may  be 
compared  to  that  of  a  silky-coated  setter.  Several  portraits  of  this 
dog  have  appeared  at  various  times  in  the  "  Sporting  Magazine," 
and  elsewhere,  but  I  am  told  they  do  not  well  represent  his  ap- 
pearance. 


52  DOMESTICATED   HUNTING-DOGS. 


Fig.   6.— ITALIAN   GREYHOUNDS,    BISMAKK  AND  CRUCIFIX. 


THE    ITALIAN    GKETHOUND. 

This  little  dog  is  one  of  the  most  beautifully  proportioned  ani- 
mals in  creation,  being  a  smooth  English  greyhound  in  miniature, 
and  resembling  it  in  all  respects  but  size.  It  is  bred  in  Spain  and 
Italy  in  great  perfection,  the  warmth  of  the  climate  agreeing  well 
with  its-  habits  and  constitution.  In  England,  as  in  its  native 
country,  it  is  only  used  as  a  pet  or  toy  clog,  for  though  its  speed  is 
considerable  for  its  size,  it  is  incapable  of  holding  even  a  rabbit? 
The  attempt,  therefore,  to  course  rabbits  with  this  little  dog  has 
always  failed,  and  in  those  instances  where  the  sport  (if  such  it  can 
be  called)  has  been  carried  out  at  all,  recourse  has  been  had  to  a 
cross  between  the  Italian  greyhound  and  the  terrier,  which  results 
in  a  strong,  quick,  little  dog,  quite  capable  of  doing  all  that  is  re- 
quired. 

The  chief  points  characteristic  of  the  Italian  greyhound  are 
shape,  color,  and  size. 


THE   ITALIAN    GREYHOUND  6# 

In  shape,  he  should  as  nearly  as  possible  resemble  the  English 
greyhound,  as  described  elsewhere.  The  nose  is  not  usually 
so  long  in  proportion,  and  the  head  is  fuller  both  in  width  and 
depth.  The  eyes,  also,  are  somewhat  larger,  being  soft  and  full. 
The  tail  should  be  small  in  bone,  and  free  from  hair.  It  is  scarcely 
so  long  as  that  of  the  English  greyhound,  bearing  in  mind  the 
difference  of  size.  It  usually  bends  with  a  gentle  sweep  upwards, 
but  should  never  turn  round  in  a  corkscrew  form. 

The  color  most  prized  is  a  golden  fawn.  The  dove-colored 
fawn  comes  next ;  then  the  cream  color,  and  the  blue  fawn,  or 
fawn  with  blue  muzzle,  the  black-muzzled  fawn,  the  black- 
muzzled  red,  the  plain  red,  the  yellow,  the  cream-colored,  and  Ihe 
black ;  the  white,  the  blue,  the  white  and  fawn,  and  the  white  and 
red.  Whenever  the  dog  is  of  a  whole  color,  there  should  be  no 
white  whatever  on  the  toes,  legs,  or  tail ;  and  even  a  star  on  the 
breast  is  considered  a  defect,  though  not  so  great  as  on  the  feet. 

The  size  most  prized  is  when  the  specified  weight  is  about  six  or 
eight  pounds ;  but  dogs  of  this  weight  have  seldom  perfect  sym- 
metry, and  one  with  good  shape  and  color,  of  eight  pounds,  is  to 
be  preferred  to  a  smaller  dog  of  less  perfect  symmetry.  Beyond 
twelve  pounds  the  dog  is  scarcely  to  be  considered  a  pure  Italian, 
though  sometimes  exceptions  occur,  and  a  puppy  of  pure  blood, 
with  a  sire  and  dam  of  small  size,  may  grow  to  such  a  weight  as 
sixteen  pounds. 

I  have  never  yet  seen  an  Italian  greyhound  more  nearly  ap- 
proaching perfection  than  Mr.  Pirn's  Bismark,  a  considerable 
prize-winner  at  Bristol  and  in  Ireland,  although  he  has  recently 
been  twice  unnoticed,  beyond  a  high  commendation  at  Birming- 
ham and  the  Alexandra  Park  Shows.  These  defeats  were,  how<= 
ever,  mainly  owing  to  the  excellence  of  the  bitches  amongst 
which  he  was  classed  ;  for  at  Birmingham  there  were  four  of  that 
.sex  only  a  trifle  behind  the  celebrated  Molly  in  shape  and  color, 
while  at  the  Alexandra  Park  there  were  nearly  as  many.  Bis- 
mark  is,  nevertheless,  a  very  neat  dog,  and,  barring  his  round 
head  and  his  color,  which  has  a  shade  of  blue  in  the  fawn,  he  is 
rery  little  behind  the  first-class  bitches  of  his  day.  His  pedigree 

a 


64  DOMESTICATED   HUNTING-DOGS. 

is  unknown,  so  that  it  is  not  possible  to  trace  these  defects  to 
their  cause ;  but  I  have  little  doubt  that,  at  some  time  more  or 
less  remote,  a  terrier  cross  in  his  pedigree  would  creep  out.  At 
all  events,  he  is  the  best  dog  exhibited  of  late  years,  and  as  such  I 
have  selected  him  for  illustration.  Crucifix,  his  companion  in  the 
engraving,  was,  like  him,  passed  over  at  the  above  shows,  obtain- 
ing only  a  second  prize  at  the  shows  recently  held  at  Birmingham 
and  Alexandra  Palace.  My.own  opinion,  however,  was  strongly 
in  her  favor  at  both  of  these  shows ;  and,  in  spite  of  the  high  au- 
thority of  Messrs.  Hedley  and  Handley  (the  respective  judges),  I 
have  accordingly  selected  her  for  portraiture.  Her  beautiful 
golden-fawn  color  is  even  superior  to  Molly's  dove-color,  and  her 
general  shape  and  symmetry  are  nearly  equal ;  but  no  doubt  in 
head  Molly  has  the  advantage,  and  if  the  two  were  shown  to- 
gether, both  in  their  prime,  the  latter  would  weigh  down  the  scale 
considerably.  Like  Bismark,  she  has  had  more  honor  in  her  own 
country  than  at  Birmingham  and  London,  having  been  awarded 
the  first  prize  at  Manchester  in  two  dog  shows,and  also  at  Glasgow 
in  two  other  years.  She  is  by  Bruce*  s  Prince  out  of  his  Beauty; 
Prince  by  Old  Prince — Speed ;  Beauty  by  Chief —Tit. 


THE   BLOODHOUND. 


55 


tip*- 

Fig.   7.— HEAD  OF  BLOODHOUND. 


THE    BLOODHOUND. 

The  name  given  to  this  hound  is  founded  upon  his  peculiar 
power  of  scenting  the  blood  of  a  wounded  animal,  so  that,  if  once 
put  on  his  trail,  he  could  hunt  him  through  any  number  of  his 
fellows,  and  would  thus  single  out  a  wounded  deer  from  a  large 


56 


DOMESTICATED   HUNTING-DOGS. 


herd,  and  stick  to  him  through  any  foils  or  artifices  which  he  may 
have  recourse  to.  From  this  property  he  has  also  been  used  to 
trace  human  beings ;  and  as  his  nose  is  remarkably  delicate  in 
hunting,  even  without  blood,  he  has  always  been  selected  for  that 
purpose,  whether  the  objects  of  pursuit  were  slaves,  as  in  Cuba, 
or  sheep-stcalers,  as  in  England. 

At  present  there  are,  as  far  as  I  know,  no  true  bloodhounds  in 
England  for  this  purpose,  or  indeed  for  any  other,  as  I  believe 
the  breed  to  be  extinct;  but  several  gentlemen  possess  hounds 
commonly  called  bloodhounds,  though  only  partially  resembling 
the  veritable  animal,  and  use  them  for  hunting  fallow-deer,  espe- 
cially those  which  are  only  wounded  with  the  rifle,  and  not  killed 
outright.  This  dog  is  also  kept  for  his  fine  noble  appearance ;  and 
as  his  temper  is  generally  less  uncertain  than  the  genuine  old 
bloodhound,  and  his  taste  for  blood  not  so  great,  though  still 
sometimes  beyond  all  control,  he  is  not  unfitted  to  be  the  constant 
companion  of  man,  but  must  always  be  regarded  with  some  degree 
of  suspicion.  Bloodhounds,  more  or  less  purely  bred,  are  still 
plentiful  in  the  Southern  States,  where  formerly  considerable 
packs  were  kept  for  hunting  both  deer  and  fugitive  slaves. 

The  following  are  the  distinctive  marks  of  this  dog,  which 
should  make  their  appearance  even  when  one  only  of  the  parents 
is  thorough-bred: — Hight,  from  24  to  25  or  even  26  inches  ;  pecu- 
liarly long  and  narrow  forehead:  ears  from  8  to  9,  and  even  10, 
inches  long;  lips  loose  and  hanging;  throat  also  loose,  and  roomy 
in  the  skin ;  deep  in  the  brisket,  round  in  the  ribs,  loins  broad  and 
muscular,  legs  and  feet  straight  and  good,  muscular  thighs,  and 
fine  tapering  and  gracefully  waving  stern ;  color  black-tan,  or  deep 
and  reddish  f:iwn  (no  white  should  be  shown  but  on  just  the  tip 
of  the  stern) ;  the  tongue  loud,  long,  deep,  and  melodious,  and  the 
temper  courageous  and  irascible,  but  remarkably  forgiving,  and 
immensely  susceptible  of  kindness.  The  illustration  is  a  portrait 
of  the  fine  head  of  a  dog  owned  by  Mr.  Reynold  Ray,  an  old  and 
well-known  breeder,  and  a  prize-winner  at  various  shows. 


THE    FOXHOUND. 


Fig.    8.— FOXHOUND,   BLUECAP. 


THE  FOXHOUND. 

The  modern  foxhound  is  one  of  the  most  wonderful  animals  in 
Creation,  winch  is  probably  owing  to  the  great  pains  that  have 
been  bestowed  upon  him  for  the  last  two  or  three  centuries.  Nu« 
merous  instances  have  occurred  where  forty  or  fifty  thousand  dol- 
lars a  year  have  been  spent  for  a  long  time  together  upon  a  fox- 
hunting establishment,  and  therefore,  when  this  outlay  has  been 
united  with  the  great  judgment  which  has  been  displayed  in  the 
most  celebrated  kennels  of  the  present  century,  it  can  scarcely 
occasion  surprise  that  the  combination  has  resulted  in  the  most 


58  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

complete  success.  In  breeding  cattle  and  sheep,  one  man  has,  in 
more  than  one  instance,  during  his  single  life,  effected  a  complete 
revolution  in  the  animal  he  was  engaged  in  improving;  and  there- 
fore, when  a  number  of  gentlemen  combine  for  one  purpose,  and 
spare  neither  time,  money,  nor  trouble,  we  ought  to  expect  the 
iii.fiUinent  of  their  wishes.  In  no  department  of  rural  sports  has 
so  much  been  written  as  on  fox-hunting,  and  this  not  only  of  late 
years,  but  for  the  last  three  centuries,  during  which  Markhain, 
Somerville,  and  Beckford  may  be  instanced  as  examples  of  truth- 
ful as  well  as  clever  writing  on  the  subject.  Beckford,  who  wrote 
in  the  latter  part  of  the  last  century,  his  first  letter  being  dated 
1779,  is,  however,  the  father  of  the  modern  school,  and,  with 
slight  exceptions,  the  hound  described  by  him  is  still  that  selected 
by  our  best  masters,  though  perhaps  they  carry  out  his  principles 
to  a  greater  extent  than  he  ever  expected  they  would  go.  Much 
has  been  written,  it  is  true,  since  his  time,  but  I  am  not  aware  that 
any  one  has  deviated  from  his  description  without  doing  wrong, 
and  therefore,  as  I  like  to  give  credit  where  credit  is  due,  I  shall 
extract  his  description  entire,  as  contained  hi  his  third  letter  to  his 
friend. 

"You  desire  to  know  what  kind  of  hound  I  would  recommend. 
As  you  mention  not  for  any  particular  chase  or  country,  I  under- 
stand you  generally ;  and  shall  answer  that  I  most  approve  of 
hounds  of  the  middle  size.  I  believe  all  animals  of  that  description 
are  strongest,  and  best  able  to  endure  fatigue.  In  the  hight  as 
well  as  the  color  of  hounds,  most  sportsmen  have  their  prejudices ; 
but  in  their  shape,  at  least,  I  think  they  must  all  agree.  I  know 
sportsmen  who  boldly  affirm  that  a  small  hound  will  oftentimes 
beat  a  large  one  ;  that  he  will  climb  hills  better,  and  go  through 
cover  quicker ;  whilst  others  are  not  less  ready  to  assert  that  a 
large  hound  will  make  his  way  in  any  country,  will  get  better 
through  the  dirt  than  a  small  one,  and  that  no  fence,  however  high, 
can  stop  him.  You  have  now  their  opinions :  and  I  advise  you  to 
adopt  that  which  suits  your  country  best.  There  is,  however,  a 
certain  size  best  adapted  for  business,  which  I  take  to  be  that  be- 
tween the  two  extremes,  and  I  will  venture  to  say  that  such  hounds 


THE   FOXHOUND.  59 

•will  not  suffer  themselves  to  be  disgraced  in  any  country.  Somer- 
ville  I  find  is  of  the  same  opinion  : 

'  But  here  a  mean 

Observe,  nor  a  large  hound  prefer,  of  size 
Gigantic  ;  he,  in  the  thick-woven  covert, 
Painfully  tugs,  or  in  the  thorny  brake, 
Torn  and  embarra&s'd,  bleeds  :  but,  if  too  small, 
The  pigmy  brood  in  every  furrow  swims  ; 
Moil'd  in  the  clogging  clay,  panting,  they  lag 
Behind  inglorious;  or  else  shivering  creep, 
Benumb'd  and  faint,  beneath  the  sheltering  thorn. 
Foxhounds  of  middle  size,  active  and  strong, 
Will  better  answer  all  thy  various  ends, 
And  crown  thy  pleasing  labors  with  success.' 

I  perfectly  agree  with  you  that  to  look  well  they  should  be  all 
nearly  of  a  size ;  and  I  even  think  that  they  should  all  look  of  the 
same  family, 

'  Facies  non  omnibus  una, 
Nee  diversa  tamen,  qualem  decet  esse  sororum." 

"  If  handsome  without  they  are  then  perfect.  With  regard  to 
their  being  sizeable,  what  Somerville  says,  is  so  much  in  your  own 
way  that  I  shall  send  it  you  : 

*  As  some  brave  captain,  curious  and  exact, 
By  his  flx'd  standard,  forms  in  equal  ranks 
His  gay  battalion  :  as  one  man  they  move, 
Step  after  step  ;  their  size  the  same,  their  arms, 
Far  gleaming,  dart  the  same  united  blaze  ; 
Reviewing  generals  his  merit  own  ; 
How  regular !  how  just !    And  all  his  cares 
Are  well  repaid  if  mighty  GEORGE  approve  : 
So  model  thou  thy  pack,  if  honor  touch 
Thy  gen'rous  soul,  and  the  world's  just  applause.' 

"  There  are  necessary  points  in  the  shape  of  a  hound  which 
ought  always  to  be  attended  to  by  a  sportsman,  for  if  he  be  not  of 
a  perfect  symmetry,  he  will  neither  run  fast  nor  bear  much  work 
He  has  much  to  undergo,  and  should  have  strength  proportioned 


60  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

to  it.  Let  bis  legs  be  straight  as  arrows,  his  feet  round  and  not  too 
large;  his  shoulders  back ;  his  breast  rather  wide  than  narrow ;  his 
chest  deep ;  his  back  broad ;  his  head  small ;  his  neck  thin ;  his  tail 
thick  and  brushy;  if  he  carry  it  well,  so  much  tae  better.  Such 
hounds  as  are  out  at  the  elbows,  and  such  as  are  weak  from  the 
knees  to  tlie  foot,  should  never  be  taken  into  the  pack. 

"  I  find  that  I  have  mentioned  a  small  head  as  one  of  the  neces- 
sary requisites  of  a  hound ;  but  you  will  understand  that  it  is 
relative  to  beauty  only,  for  as  to  goodness,  I  believe  large-headed 
hounds  are  in  no  wise  inferior.  The  color  I  think  of  little  mo- 
ment, and  am  of  opinion  with  our  friend  Foote,  respecting  his 
negro  friend,  that  a  good  dog,  like  a  good  candidate,  cannot  be  of 
a  bad  color. 

"  Men  are  too  apt  to  be  prejudiced  by  the  sort  of  hound  which  they 
themselves  have  been  most  accustomed  to.  Those  who  have  been 
used  to  the  sharp-nossd  foxhound,  will  hardly  allow  a  large-head- 
ed hound  to  be  a  foxhound  ;  yet  they  both  equally  are  ;  speed  and 
beauty  are  the  chief  exc2llencies  of  tho  one,  while  stoutness  and 
tenderness  of  nose  in  hunting  arc  characteristic  of  the  other.  I 
could  tell  you  that  I  have  seen  very  good  sport  with  very  unhand- 
some packs,  consisting  of  hounds  of  various  sizes,  differing  from 
one  another  as  much  in  shape  and  look  as  ia  their  color ;  nor  could 
there  be  traced  the  least  sign  of  consanguinity  amongst  them. 
Considered  separately  the  hounds  were  good ;  as  a  pack  of  hounds 
they  were  not  to  be  commended;  nor  would  you  be  satisfied  with 
anything  that  looked  so  very  incomplete.  You  will  find  nothing 
so  essential  to  your  sport  as  that  your  hounds  should  run  well 
together;  nor  can  this  end  be  better  attained  than  by  confining 
yourself,  as  near  as  you  can,  to  those  of  the  same  sort,  size,  and 
shape." 

Thus  then  as  to  points,  it  will  be  evident  from  the  above  extract 
that  Beckford  was  fully  aware  of  all  which  are  considered  essential 
to  the  foxhound,  except  the  depth  of  the  back  ribs,  in  which  the 
modern  hound  differs  from  both  of  his  supposed  progenitors  (the 
greyhound  and  old-fashioned  hound),  and  which  has  been  estab- 
lished by  carefully  breeding  from  sires  and  dams  peculiar  for  this 


THE    FOXHOUND.  61 

development.  It  is  upon  this  formation  that  stoutness,  and  the 
capability  of  bearing  work  day  after  day,  mainly  depend;  and 
hence  all  good  judges  both  of  the  hunter  and  the  hound  insist  so 
strongly  upon  it.  Nimrod  (Apperley)  also  remarks  that  Beckford 
has  omitted  to  particularize  u  the  length  of  thigh  discernible  in 
first-rate  hounds,  which,  like  the  well-let-down  hock  of  the  horse, 
gives  them  much  superiority  of  speed,  and  is  also  a  great  security 
against  laming  themselves  in  leaping  fences,  which  they  are  more 
apt  to  do  when  they  become  blown  and  consequently  weak."  It 
may  also  be  remarked,  that  though  Beckford  insists  upon  a  middle 
siza,  he  does  not  define  what  he  means  by  tje  term,  but  as  fox- 
hounds vary  from  25  inches  to  20, 1  should  say  23  to  25  inches  for 
doghounds,  and  21  to  23  for  bitches,  would  be  about  the  hight 
meant  by  him.  In  open  countries,  with  thin  fences  or  walls, 
a  large  hound  may  perhaps  suit  best ;  but  in  woodlands,  the 
small  sizs,  if  not  too.  small  and  delicate,  has  many  advantages, 
and  will  always  beat  the  forger  and  heavier  hound,  who  tires 
himself  in  driving  through  the  runs,  which  will  readily  ad- 
mit the  small  dog  or  bitch.  Nimrod  fixed  the  hight  at  "  21 
to  22  inches  for  bitches,  and  23  to  24  for  doghounds ;"  but 
I  have  given  a  little  more  latitude  in  the  above  estimate.  The 
speed  of  the  foxhound  may  be  estimated  from  the  well  known 
match  over  the  Beacon  course,  at  Newmarket,  which  is  4  miles 
1  furlong  and  132  yards,  and  which  was  run  by  Mr.  Barry's 
"  Bluecap  "  (the  winner)  in  eight  minutes  and  a  few  seconds,  Mr. 
McynslPs  hounds  being  not  far  behind ;  and  only  twelve  out  of 
sixty  horsemen  who  started  with  them  being  with  them  to  the  end. 
Colonel  ThorntDn's  bitch,  "  Merkin,"  is  even  said  to  have  run  the 
same  course  in  seven  minutes  and  half  a  second.  This  speed  is  ac- 
counted for  by  the  greyhound  descent,  if  it  really  exists  ;  and  that 
it  does  so  I  have  little  doubt,  as  it  is  quite  clear  that  the  old  hound 
was  deficient  in  those  points  which  tlie  greyhound  alone  would  be 
able  to  give;  but  as  this  is  only  conjecture  I  have  not  insisted 
upon  it. 

The  small  rounded  ear  of  tlie  foxhound  is  due  to  the  rounding 
irons  of  tlie  huntsman,  who  removes  a  large  portion  of  the  pup's 


62  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

ears  in  order  to  save  them  from  the  tears  and  scratches  which  they 
would  inevitably  encounter  i:i  "  drawing,"  if  allowed  to  remain  on. 
The  portion  left  is  sufficient  to  protect  the  passage  to  the  internal 
organ,  but  for  which  necessity  it  would  be  better  to  crop  them 
closely,  as  is  practised  with  dogs  intended  for  fighting ;  just  as  the 
wrestler  and  the  pugilist  have  their  hair  cropt  as  close  to  their 
heads  as  possible. 

The  prevailing  colors  of  foxhounds  in  the  present  day  are  as  fol- 
lows, placing  them  in  the  order  of  their  frequency  : — (1.)  Black  and 
white  with  tan ;  (2.)  The  mixed  or  blended  colors,  known  as  "  pies," 
as  red  pie,  blue  pie,  yellow  pie,  grey  pie,  lemon  pie,  hare  pie,  and 
baclger  pie,  the  last  three  very  handsome  ;  (3.)  Tan ;  (4.)  Black ; 
(5.)  White;  (5.)  Reel;  (7.)  Blue ;  each  being  more  or  less  mixed 
with  white.  Foxhounds  aro  often  slightly  ticked,  but  rarely  mot- 
tbd,  the  "blue  mottled  hound,"  according  to  Mr.  Apperley,  being 
a  true  harrier  or  beagle,  and  most  probably  descended  from  the 
southern  hound,  which  was  often  of  this  color. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  the  foxhound  is  always  to  be  looked 
at  as  part  of  a  pack,  and  hence  it  is  of  no  use  to  breed  an  excep- 
tionally high  or  otherwise  well  made  hound  if  it  will  make  him 
run  in  a  different  style  to  his  companions.  Hence  it  is  necessary 
to  keep  to  such  a  model  as  can  be  produced  in  number  sufficient  to 
form  the  pack,  which  is  another  argument  in  favor  of  a  medium 
size  ;  and  hence,  in  looking  at  a  pack,  together  or  separately,  the 
lover  of  the  foxhound  is  always  on  the  look  out  for  "  suitiness,"  or 
the  resemblance  to  another  in  size  and  shape,  which  Beckford 
filludes  to  in  describing  a  good-looking  pack  of  hounds  as  appear- 
jng  "all  of  one  family." 

In  his  work  the  foxhound  is  peculiar  for  dash,  and  for  always 
being  inclined  to  cast  forwards,  instinctively  appearing  to  be  aware 
that  the  fox  makes  his  point  to  some  covert  different  from  that  in 
which  he  was  found.  On  the  other  hand,  the  harrier  casts  back, 
from  a  knowledge,  instinctive  or  acquired,  that  hare  has  a  ten- 
dency to  return  to  the  place  from  which  she  started,  and  will  be 
almost  sure  to  do  so  if  she  has  time  enough  given  her. 


THE  HARRIER.  O« 

THE  HARRIER. 

The  true  harrier  is  a  dwarf  southern  hound,  with  a  very  slight 
infusion  of  the  greyhound  in  him.  Hence  he  is  more  throaty  than 
the  foxhound,  and  has  also  more  ear,  with  a  broader  head,  more 
fully  developed  flews,  and  altogether  a  heavier  and  less  active 
frame.  The  hight  is  usually  at  present  under  20  inches,  averag- 
ing about  18  ;  but  in  tiie  oLl  times,  when  t  -e  dwarf  foxhound  was 
never  used  for  the  purpose,  harriers  were  often  22  and  sometimes 
23  inches  high,  because  even  with  that  size  they  dwelt  on  the 
scent  so  long  that  they  were  not  too  fast  for  sport.  But  it  is  in 
tongue  and  in  style  of  hunting  that  true  harriers  are  chiefly  re- 
markable, the  former  being  melodious  in  the  extreme,  and  a  pack 
in  full  cry  being  heard  for  miles ;  while  the  latter  is  distinguished 
by  excessive  delicacy  of  nose,  and  by  an  amount  of  patience  in 
working  out  the  doubles  of  the  hare  which  the  old-fashioned  hare- 
hunter  considered  perfection.  Mr.  Yeatman  has,  however,  intro- 
duced a  different  style,  and  according  to  his  system  the  hare  is 
driven  so  fast  that  she  is  compelled  to  abandon  her  cunning  de- 
vices, and  to  trust  to  her  speed  alone.  But  as,  following  his  ex- 
ample, most  of  the  modern  packs  of  harehounds  are  dwarf  fox- 
hounds, it  is  unnecessary  to  dwell  upon  the  old-fashioned  animal, 
*nd  the  modern  harrier  may  therefore  be  described  as  a  foxhound 
m  shape,  but  of  a  size  averaging  about  18  or  19  inches,  and  kept 
to  hare  with  great  care,  so  that  in  some  instances  packs  are  known 
to  refuse  to  own  the  scent  of  the  fox ;  but  these  are  rare  excep- 
tions, as  most  huntsmen  will  be  ready  to  hunt  one  whenever  they 
have  the  opportunity,  and  many  regularly  finish  their  season  by 
shaking  down  a  bag-fox,  or  by  trying  for  one  in  some  covert  where 
they  have  permission.  The  fashion  of  the  day  is  to  demand  pace 
in  all  kinds  of  hunting,  and  for  this  reason  these  dwarf  foxhounds 
are  selected,  taking  care  to  unite  with  it  as  fine  and  delicate  a  nose 
as  possible,  but  altogether  regardless  of  the  music,  which  used  to 
be  a  sine  qua  non  with  masters  of  harriers. 

One  chief  beauty  in  hare-hunting  is  the  proper  packing  of  the 
hounds,  and  as  this  can  not  be  done  without  having  all  nearly  of 


64 


DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 


the  same  size,  shape,  and  breed,  masters  of  harriers  are  very  par« 
ticular  in  keeping  the  whole  of  their  kennel  of  one  strain  ;  and 
when  they  cross  their  hounds  it  should  be  with  great  care,  so  as  to 
avoid  the  introduction  of  blood  very  different  to  that  which  they 
already  possess. 


ill 


Fig.   9.— AMERICAN  BEAGLES. 


THE  BEAGLE. 

The  true  beagle,  like  the  old  harrier,  is  now  almost  entirely  dis- 
placed by  dwarf  specimens  of  the  foxhound,  or  by  crosses  wit> 
it  in  varying  proportions.  Still  there  are  some  packs  left,  anl  a 
good  many  gentlemen  also  possess  one  or  two  couple  which  they 
use  for  covert  shooting,  though  even  here  this  breed  is  giving  way 
to  the  spaniel. 

In  external  form  the  beagle  resembles  the  southern  hound,  but  is 
much  more  compact  and  elegant  in  shape,  and  far  less  throaty 
in  proportion  to  its  size,  though  still  possessing  a  considerable  ruff. 
There  are  three  or  four  varieties,  however,  which  differ  a  good  dee  I 


THE    BEAGLE.  65 

among  themselves  in  shape  and  make,  and  also  to  some  degree  in 
style  of  hunting. 

The  medium-sized  beagle  maybe  taken  as  the  type  of  the  others 
of  the  same  name,  and  somewhat  resembles  a  small  old-fashioned 
harrier  in  shape,  but  with  a  larger  body  and  shorter  legs  in  propor- 
tion to  it.  The  head  is  very  wide  and  round,  with  a  short  square 
nose,  very  full  and  soft  drooping  ears,  good  feet,  and  not  much  hair 
on  the  body,  but  with  a  slight  brush  on  the  tail.  Their  tongues 
are  most  musical,  and  their  noses  extremely  delicate,  being  even 
more  so  than  the  harrier,  but  hunting  in  the  same  style,  with  the 
same  tendency  to  dwell  on  the  scent.  In  size  they  may  be  de- 
scribed as  averaging  about  12  or  14  inches. 

The  rough  beagle  is  apparently  a  cross  between  the  above  little 
hound  and  the  rough  terrier,  though  by  many  people  he  is  sup- 
posed to  be  a  distinct  breed,  and  as  much  so  as  the  Welsh  harrier, 
which  he  resembles  in  all  but  size.  His  origin  is,  however,  lost  in 
obscurity,  and  can  only  be  conjectured.  One  chief  reason  why  I 
have  supposed  him  to  arise  from  the  above  cross  is,  that  he  has 
lost  in  great  measure  the  beagle  tongue,  and  squeaks  like  the  ter- 
rier, though  not  quite  so  much  as  that  dog. 

The  Kerry  or  Laune  (Irish)  Beagles  are  distinguished  for  speed, 
strength,  size,  endurance,  and  keen  nose.  These  characteristics 
admirably  adapt  them  for  deer  hunting.  The  first  of  this  strain, 
Towler,  was  imported  to  the  United  States  by  Dr.  Lewis  A.  Sayre, 
of  New  York  City,  in  1879.  In  October,  1881,  Towler  died.  Dr. 
Sayre,  however,  still  has  left  Doxey  and  Lightfoot,  which,  together 
with  Towler,  were  presented  to  him  by  a  grandson  of  John  O'Con- 
nell.  The  New  York  "  Turf,  Field  and  Farm,"  of  Nov.  18,  1881, 
contains  a  detailed  and  interesting  description  of  this  rare  strain 
of  dogs,  together  with  engravings  of  Doxey  and  Lightfoot. 

The  dwarf  or  rabbit  beagle  is  a  very  small  and  delicate  little 
hound,  but  with  an  excellent  nose,  and  much  faster  than  he  looks. 
Some  sportsmen  have  carried  their  predilection  for  small  dogs  to 
such  an  extent,  as  to  use  a  pack  of  these  beagles  which  might  be 
carried  about  in  the  shooting  pockets  of  the  men ;  and  in  this  way 
have  confined  their  duties  to  the  hunting  alone,  so  that  they  were 


66  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

not  tired  in  trailing  along  the  road  from  the  kennel  to  the  hunting- 
field  and  back  again.  The  average  hight  of  these  may  be  taken  at 
10  inches,  but  their  bodies  are  disproportionately  lengthened 
Patience  and  perseverance  are  stir  more  necessary  in  these  hounds 
than  in  their  larger  brethren,  and  without  them  they  soon  lose 
their  hare,  as  they  must  be  content  to  hunt  her  at  a  pace  with 
which  a  man  can  readily  keep  up  on  foot,  horses  being  quite  out 
of  place  with  such  a  diminutive  pack. 

A  pack  of  rabbit-beagles,  the  property  of  Mr.  Crane,  of  South- 
over  House,  England,  we  believe  to  contain  the  best  "  patterns  " 
we  have  ever  known.  We  have  seen  them  on  a  cold  bad  scenting 


Fig.    10.— BABBIT  BEAGLES,   GIANT  AND  RINQLET. 

day  work  up  a  rabbit  and  run  him  in  the  most  extraordinary  man- 
ner, and  although  the  nature  of  the  ground  compelled  the  pack  to 
run  almost  in  Indian  file,  and  thus  to  carry  a  very  narrow  line  of 
scent,  if  they  threw  it  up,  it  was  but  for  a  moment.  Mr.  Crane's 
standard  is  9  in.,  and  every  little  hound  is  absolutely  perfect.  We 
saw  but  one  hound  at  all  differing  from  his  companions,  a  littl< 
black-tanned  one.  This  one  on  the  flags  we  should  have  drafted 
but  when  we  saw  him  in  his  work  we  quite  forgave  him  for  being 
of  a  conspicuous  color.  Giant  (see  portrait)  was  perhaps  the  very 
best  of  the  pack,  a  black-white-and-tanne:!  doghound,  always  at 
work,  and  never  wrong.  He  has  a  capital  tongue,  and  plenty  of 
it.  The  bitch,  Ringlet,  has  fie  most  beautiful  points  we  have  ever 
seen,  and  is  a  fit  companion  for  her  mate,  Giant.  Damper,  Dutch 


THE    OTTERHOUND.  67 

man,  and  Tyrant,  are  also  all  of  tliem  beautiful  models.    We  give 
the  measurement  of  Damper:  night, 9  in. ;  round  the  chest,  16  in, 
across  the  ears.  12  in. ;  extreme  length,  2  ft  4  in. ;  eye  to  nose,  2i  in, 


THE  OTTERHOUND. 

No  hcnnd  which  is  now  kept  in  Great  Britain  resembles  the 
southern  hound  so  much  as  this,  the  difference  being  only  in  the 
rough,  wiry  coat,  which  haa  been  obtained  by  careful  breeding,  to 
enable  them  to  resist  the  ill  rfff^\a  of  the  rough  weather  which  the 
breed  have  to  encounter,  T/hether  in  the  chase  of  the  hare,  for 
which  they  were  originally  employed  in  Wales,  or  for  that  of  the 
otter,  to  which  they  arc  'new  almost  exclusively  restricted.  If, 
therefore,  the  reader  to/us  to  the  description  of  the  southern 
hound,  and  adds  to  it  a  rough,  wiry  coat,  with  a  profusion  of 
rough  whisker,  he  will  at  once  understand  the  form  and  nature  of 
the  otterhound,  alms  the  Welsh  harrier.  It  is  a  disputed  point 
whether  this  roughness  is  obtained  by  crossing,  or  whether  it  is 
attributable  to  careful  selection  only.  We  are  inclined  to  think 
that  as  the  full  melodious  note  of  the  hound  is  retained,  there  is 
no  cross  of  the  terrier  or  of  the  deerhound,  which  two  breeds 
divide  between  them  the  credit  of  bestowing  their  coats  upon  the 
otterhound.  Anyhow,  it  is  a  distinct  breed  in  the  present  day; 
and,  with  the  shape  I  have  described,  it  unites  all  the  characteris- 
tics of  the  old  southern  hound,  in  dwelling  on  the  scent,  in  deli- 
cacy of  nose,  and  in  want  of  dash.  Whether  the  power  of 
swimming  has  been  obtained  by  any  cross  with  the  water-spaniel, 
is  also  a  disputed  point;  but  as  I  do  not  believe  in  any  peculiar 
swimming  power  inherent  in  that  breed,  I  am  not  inclined  to 
attribute  that  of  the  otterhound  to  a  cross  with  it,  especially  as  the 
foxhound  swims  equally  well. 

As  these  hounds  have  to  compete  with  a  very  savage  and  hard- 
biting  animal,  they  must  of  necessity  be  fearless  and  hardy;  and 
as,  for  their  specific  purposes,  tho§3  wliich  are  not  so,  have  been  re- 


68  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

jected,  it  happens  that  the  breed  has  become  unusually  savage^ 
and  that  they  are  constantly  fighting  in  kennel.  Indeed,  instances 
are  common  enough  of  more  than  half  being  destroyed  in  a  sin- 
gle night,  in  the  bloody  fight  which  has  been  commenced  by 
perhaps  a  single  couple,  but  soon  ending  in  a  general  scrimmage 
No  dog  bites  more  savagely;  and,  unlike  the  bulldog,  the  hold  is 
not  firmly  retained,  but  the  teeth  are  torn  out  with  great  force  the 
instant  the  hold  is  taken.  The  usual  bight  of  the  otterhound  is 
from  22  to*  25  inches  in  the  dogs,  the  bitches  being  somewhat 
lower. 

The  points  of  the  otterhound  are  like  those  of  the  bl  Dodhound, 
except  as  to  the  coat,  which  should  be  composed  of  hard  and  long 
hah-,  somewhat  rough  in  its  lying,  and  mixed  with  a  short,  woolly 
under-coat,  which  serves  to  keep  the  body  warm  even  when  wet- 
ted by  long  immersion.  The  color  differs  also,  in  not  being 
confined  to  black-and-tan  or  tan — the  former,  however,  being  often 
met  with. 


THE    TERRIER. 

The  terrier,  as  used  for  hunting,  is  a  strong,  useful  little  dog, 
•with  great  endurance  and  courage,  and  with  nearly  as  good  a  nosfc 
as  the  beagle  or  harrier.  From  his  superior  courage,  when  crossed 
with  the  bulldog,  as  most  vermin-terriers  are,  he  has  generally 
been  kept  for  killing  vermin  whose  bite  would  deter  the  spaniel 
or  the  beagle,  but  would  only  render  the  terrier  more  determined 
in  his  pursuit  of  them.  Hence  he  is  the  constant  attendant  on  the 
rat-catcher,  and  is  highly  useful  to  the  gamekeeper,  as  well  as  tc 
the  farmer  who  is  annoyed  with  rats  and  mice.  Formerly  it  wa£ 
the  custom  to  add  a  couple  of  terriers  to  every  pack  of  foxhounds, 
so  as  to  be  ready  to  aid  in  bolting  the  fox  when  he  runs  into  a 
drain,  or  goes  to  ground  in  any  easily  accessible  earth  ;  the  stout- 
ness of  the  terrier  enabling  him,  by  steadi]y  following  on  the  tracki 
to  reach  the  scene  of  operations  before  it  would  be  possible  to 
obtain  any  other  assistance.  This  aid,  however,  in  consequence 


THE   TEBRIER.  OV* 

of  the  increased  speed  of  our  hounds,  is  now  dispensed  with,  and 
the  old  fox-terrier  is  out  of  date,  or  is  only  kept  for  the  purpose 
of  destroying  ground  vermin,  such  as  the  rat  or  the  weasel,  or  as 
a  companion  to  man,  for  which  purpose  his  fidelity  and  tracta- 
bility  make  him  peculiarly  fitted.  Terriers  are  now  usually  di- 
vided into  eight  kinds:— 1st,  the  old  English  Terrier;  3d,  the 
Scotch ;  3d,  the  Dandie  Dinmont ;  4th,  the  Skye ;  5th,  the  Fox 


Fig.   11.— ENGLISH  TERRIER,   BELCHER. 


Terrier;  6th,  the  Bedlington;  7th,  the  Halifax  Blue  Tan ;  and  8th, 
the  Modern  Toy  Terriers  of  various  kinds. 

The  English  Terrier  is  a  smooth-haired  dog,  weighing  from  about 
6  to  10  Ibs.  His  nose  is  very  long  and  tapering  neatly  off,  the  jaw 
being  slightly  overhung,  with  a  high  forehead,  narrow  flat  skull, 
strong  muscular  jaw,  and  small  bright  eye,  well  set  in  the  head ; 
ears  when  entire  are  short  and  slightly  raised,  but  not  absolutely 
pricked,  turning  over  soon  after  they  leave  the  head.  When 


70  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

cropped  they  stand  up  in  a  point,  and  rise  much  higher  than  they 
naturally  would.  The  neck  is  strong,  but  of  a  good  length ;  body 
very  symmetrical,  with  powerful  short  loins,  and  chest  deep  rather 
than  wide.  Shoulders  generally  good,  and  very  powerful,  so  as  to 
enable  the  terrier  to  dig  away  at  an  earth  for  hours  together  with- 
out fatigue,  but  they  must  not  be  so  wide  as  to  prevent  him  from 
"going  to  ground."  Fore  legs  straight  and  strong  in  muscle, 
but  light  in  bone,  and  feet  round  aud  hare-like.  Hind  legs  straight 
but  powerful.  Tail  fine,  with  a  decided  down  carriage.  The  color 
of  these  dogs  should  be  black  and  tan,  which  is  the  only  true 
color ;  many  are  white,  slightly  marked  with  black,  red,  or  some- 
times, but  very  rarely,  blue.  The  true  fox-terrier  was  generally 
chosen  with  as  much  white  as  possible,  so  that  he  might  be  readily 
seen,  either  coming  up  after  the  pack,  or  when  in  the  fox's  earth, 
in  almost  complete  darkness ;  but  these  were  all  crossed  with  the 
bull  dog.  Those  which  are  now  kept  for  general  purposes  are, 
however,  most  prized  when  of  the  black  and  tan  color,  and  the 
more  complete  the  contrast,  that  is,  the  richer  the  black  and  tan 
respectively,  the  more  highly  the  dog  is  valued,  especially  if  with- 
out any  white.  In  all  cases  there  should  be  a  small  patch  of  tan 
over  each  eye  ;  the  nose  and  palate  should  always  be  black.  The 
toes  should  be  pencilled  with  black  reaching  more  or  less  up  the 
leg.  In  the  first  volume  of  the  stud  book,  which  chronicles  the 
principal  shows  for  fourteen  years,  he  was  simply  and  properly 
described  as  the  black  and  tan  terrier,  "  English  "  of  course  being 
understood ;  but  since  1874  they  have  added  to  his  title,  "  or  Man- 
chester Terrier"  The  reason  for  this  change  I  do  not  know,  as 
tac  records  of  their  own  stud  book  do  not  disclose  many  names  of 
eminent  Manchester  breeders  or  exhibitors  besides  Mr.  Samuel 
Handley,  who  bred  and  exhibited  some  of  the  best  that  have  been 
shown,  and  who  is  still  generally  recognized  as  one  of  the  best 
judges  of  them ;  and,  however  great  an  honor  it  may  be  to  be  "  Man- 
chester," it  is  a  greater  honor  to  be  English,  and,  so  far  as  I  can 
see,  the  change  in  name  was  useless  and  uncalled  for,  and  deroga- 
tory to  the  breed.  In  addition  to  Mr.  Handley,  there  were  years 
ago  the  following  celebrated  Lancashire  breeders :  Mr.  James  Bar- 


THE   TEKRIER.  71 

row,  Mr.  Joseph  Kay,  and  Mr.  William  Pearson,  all  now  dead ; 
but  the  crack  dogs  now  met  with  at  our  shows  have  generally  been 
bred  by  unknown  people,  and  brought  out  by  astute  judges  and 
spirited  exhibitors.  In  the  early  days  of  shows  Birmingham  took 
the  lead  hi  this  breed,  and  Mr.  G.  Fitter,  of  that  town,  who  had  a 
good  strain,  held  the  first  position  for  several  years  with  his  ex- 
ceptionally good  dog  Dandy.  Of  late  years  the  most  successful 
exnibitors  have  been  Mr.  George  Wilson,  Huddersfield ;  the  late 
Mr.  Martin,  Manchester;  and,  more  so  than  either,  Mr.  Henry 
Lacy,  of  Hebden  Bridge. 

This  breed  is  not  such  a  general  favorite  with  the  public  as  it 
deserves  to  be,  for  it  has  many  excellent  qualities  to  recommend  it 
to  those  who  like  a  nice  pet  that  does  not  need  nursing,  an  affec- 
tionate, lively,  and  tractable  companion,  not  given  to  quarrelling, 
very  active  and  graceful  in  his  actions,  and  with  pluck  enough  and 
a  keen  zest  for  hunting  and  destroying  such  vermin  as  rats  that 
infest  houses  and  outbuildings ;  for  with  larger  vermin,  such  as  the 
fox,  badger,  etc.,  (with  exceptional  cases),  he  has  not  the  hardness 
to  cope  with  or  to  stand  their  bites,  nor  has  he  the  strength  even 
of  other  terriers  of  his  own  weight,  as  he  is  formed  more  for  nimble- 
ness  than  work  requiring  power.  His  most  ardent  admirers  can- 
not claim  for  him  the  courage  and  obduracy  of  attack  and  defence 
that  characterize  less  pure  terriers.  As  a  house  dog  he  is  unex- 
celled, always  on  the  alert,  and  quick  to  give  alarm. 

The  Scotch  Terrier  closely  resembles  the  English  dog  in  all  but 
his  coat,  which  is  wiry  and  rough,  and  hence  he  is  sometimes  called 
the  wire-haired  terrier,  a  name  perhaps  better  suited  to  a  dog  which 
has  long  been  naturalized  in  England,  and  whose  origin  is  obscure 
enough.  Beyond  this  difference  in  externals,  there  is  little  to  be 
said  distinctive  of  the  one  from  the  other,  the  colors  being  the 
same,  but  white  being  more  highly  prized  in  the  southern  variety, 
and  the  black  and  tan  when  more  or  less  mixed  with  grey,  so  as  to 
give  the  dog  a  pepper  and  salt  appearance,  being  characteristic  of 
the  true  Scotch  terrier ;  but  there  are  numberless  varieties  in  size, 
and  also  in  shape  and  color.  This  is  a  very  good  vermin  dog,  and 
will  hunt  anything  from  a  fox  to  a  mouse ;  but  while  he  may  be 


72  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

induced  to  hunt  feather,  he  never  takes  to  it  like  fur,  and  prefers 
vermin  to  game  at  all  times. 

The  Dandie  Dinmont  breed  of  terriers,  now  so  much  celebrated, 
was  originally  bred  by  a  farmer  of  the  name  of  James  Davidson 
at  Hindalee,  in  Roxburghshire,  who,  it  is  generally  believed,  got  his 
dogs  from  the  head  of  Coquet  Water.  There  was  also  a  good 
strain  at  Ned  Dunn's  at  Whitelee,  near  the  Carter  Bar. 

Those  who  have  investigated  the  subject  are  inclined  to  think 
that  the  Dandie  Dinmont  is  a  cross  between  the  Scotch  terrier  and 


.    12. — DANDIE  DINMONTS,   DOCTOR  AND  TIT-MUMPS. 


the  otterhound,  or,  as  I  believe,  the  Welsh  harrier,  which  is  iden- 
tiaal  with  the  latter. 

The  most  celebrated  strains  are  those  belonging  to  the  Duke  of 
Buccleugh  (presented  by  James  Davidson) ;  Stoddart,  of  Selkirk ; 
Frain,  of  the  Trows;  McDougall,  of  Cessford;  F.  Somners,  of 
Kelso;  Sir  G.  Douglass,  of  Springwood  Park;  Dr.  Brown,  of  Mel- 
rose  ;  J.  Aitken,  of  Edinburgh ;  and  Hugh  Purves,  of  Leaderfoot, 
who  is  the  principal  hand  in  having  kept  up  the  breed.  So  much 
were  the  Dandies  in  vogue  some  years  ago,  that  Mr.  Bradshaw 
Smith,  of  Dumfriesshire,  bought  up  every  good  dog  he  could  lay 
his  hands  on,  and  as  a  consequence  his  breed  is  now  well  known. 


THE   TERRIER.  To 

The  Dandle  is  represented  by  two  colors  of  liair,  which  is  some- 
times  rather  hard,  but  not  long ;  one  entirely  a  reddish  brown, 
and  called  the  "  mustard,"  the  other  grey  or  bluish-grey  on  the 
back,  and  (an  or  light  brown  on  the  legs,"  and  called  the  "pep- 
per;" both  have  the  silky  hair  on  the  forehead.  The  legs  are 
short,  the  body  long,  shoulder  low,  back  slightly  curved,  head 
large,  jaws  long  and  tapered  to  the  muzzle,  which  is  not  sharp; 
ears  large  and  hanging  close  to  the  head ;  eyes  full,  bright,  and  in- 
telligent ;  tail  straight  and  carried  erect,  with  a  slight  curve  over 
the  back  (houndlike);  the  weight,  18  to  24  Ibs.,  varying  according 
to  the  strain,  but  the  original  Dandie  was  a  heavy  dog.  Occasion- 
ally in  a  litter  there  may  be  some  with  the  short,  folding  ear  of 
a  bull-terrier,  and  also  w  ith  some  greater  length  of  the  legs ;  these 
are  not  approved  of  by  fanciers,  but  nevertheless  are  pure,  showing 
a  tendency  to  cast  back.  Sir  W.  Scott,  I  believe,  preferred  the 
small  ear. 

The  following  letter  from  Mr.  E.  Bradshaw  Smith  to  the  Editor 
of  the  "  London  Field  "  is  of  interest : 

"  SIR — If  not  trespassing  too  much  on  your  valuable  space  I 
may  here  be  allowed  to  show  how  I  first  became  possessed  of  this 
historic  breed. 

"  During  my  residence  in  Roxburgh  shire  my  fancy  was  greatly 
taken  by  several  specimens  I  saw  of  this  game  little  animal.  In 
1841,  I  bought  the  first  Dandie  I  ever  possessed,  and  since  that 
date  I  have  no  hesitation  in  stating  that  more  Dandie  Dinmonts 
have  passed  through  my  hands  than  through  those  of  any  half 
dozen  of  fanciers.  I  feel  myself  competent,  therefore,  to  give  a 
decided  opinion  on  the  article  penned  by  *  Stonehenge,'  although 
it  be  at  variance  with  his  remarks. 

"  In  the  first  place,  it  seems  to  me  an  entire  mistake  on  his  part 
that  the  Dandie  Dinmont  of  the  present  day  is  longer  in  the  body 
than  formerly.  My  observation  tends  rather  in  the  opposite  di- 
rection. 

"  Secondly,  a  strong  characteristic  of  the  breed  has  ever  bee 
tenacity  of  purpose,  and  I  have  only  known  two  of  my  dogs  whic? 
could  be  taught  at  command  to  leave  the  trail  of  either  fox  or  rat 


76  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

bit ;  certainly  it  would  be  a  hopeless  task  to  prevent  a  Dandie  Din- 
mont  from  engaging  with  a  fox  were  an  opportunity  to  offer.  I 
consider  the  animal  as  naturally  good-tempered,  but  when  once 
roused,  he  is  ready  to  seize  hold  of  anything  within  reach.  When 
I  first  kept  these  clogs,  I  was  ignorant  of  their  extremely  excitable 
nature,  and  had  many  killed  from  time  to  time  in  fights,  either  in 
the  kennels  or  at  the  entrance  of  rabbit  holes;  in  short,  when  once 
their  blood  is  fairly  up  they  become  utterly  unmanageable.  On 
this  account,  for  years  past  (though  I  keep  a  number)  I  do  not 
allow  more  than  one  dog  and  one  bitch  in  a  kennel,  but  sometimes  a 
dog  and  two  bitches  if  very  harmonious.  The  first  I  had  worried, 
many  years  ago,  was  a  beautiful  little  fellow  14  Ib.  weight,  bred 
by  Mr.  Kerss  (Bowhill),  from  a  sister  of  Stoddart's  old  Dandie  and 
his  own  old  Pepper.  He  was  killed  in  the  night  time  by  another 
of  my  dogs,  to  my  great  annoyance.  When  I  mentioned  the  cir- 
cumstance to  Mr.  Kerss,  he  informed  me  that  during  the  time  the 
little  animal  belonged  to  him,  he  had  worried  some  of  his,  amongst 
the  number  a  Newfoundland  pup  six  months  old.  Yet  it  is  by  no 
means  always  the  most  excitable  and  pugnacious  animal  that 
stands  the  severe  test,  viz.,  to  face  alone  two  badgers  at  once,  and 
fasten  upon  one  of  them  while  the  other  in  turn  attacks  him,  as  I 
have  known  very  many  do.  For  my  part,  I  prefer  the  dog  who 
encounters  his  antagonist  coolly  and  without  any  fuss. 

"In  conclusion,  I  annex  a  list  of  the  kennels  I  purchased,  viz., 
that  of  Mr.  Somner  (including  his  crack  dog  Shem),  those  of 
Messrs.  Purves,  Frain,  M'Dougald  (including  his  famous  Old  May- 
day), J.  Stoddart  (who  sold  to  me  his  celebrated  Old  Dandie),  and 
many  other  Dandies  from  Mr.  Milne,  of  Faldonside,  bred  from  his 
famous  OH  Jenny,  from  Mr.  Jas.  Kerss  (Bowhill),  and  likewise 
from  the  Haining,  near  Selkirk.  From  these  ancestors  my  dogs 
are  purely  and  lineally  descended. 

"  Apologizing  for  having  occupied  so  much  of  your  columns, 

"  E.  BRADSHAW  SMITH. 

"Zurich,  Switzerland." 

The  illustration  is  a  portrait  of  Mr.  Locke's  Doctor,  which  has 
been  established  as  one  of  the  favorites  of  the  various  experts  em« 


THE    TERRIER. 


77 


ployed  to  judge  tins  breed,  and,  as  I  think,  deservedly,  until  the. 
last  Brighton  show,  where  naturally  enough  the  immediate  de- 
scendants of  Shamrock  had  the  best  of  it  under  the  fiat  of  his 
owner. 

The  Skye  Terrier  is  remarkable  for  his  long  weasel -shaped  body, 
and  for  his  short,  fin-like  legs,  added  to  which  he  has  a  long  rather 
than  a  wide  head,  and  also  a  neck  of  unusual  dimensions,  so  that 
when  measured  from  tip  to  tail  the  entire  length  is  more  than  three 
times  his  hight.  The  nose  is  pointed,  but  so  concealed  in  the  long 


Fig.   13.— SKYE  TEBKIEB. 


hair  which  falls  over  his  eyes,  that  it  is  scarcely  visible  without  a 
careful  inspection ;  eyes  keen  and  expressive,  but  small  as  com- 
pared with  the  spaniel.  The  ears,  if  falling,  are  large  and  slightly 
raised,  but  turning  over;  in  the  prick-eared  variety,  which  is  by 
many  in  the  north  preferred,  the  ears  stand  up  like  those  of  the 
fox  ;  tail  long,  but  small  in  bone,  and  standing  straight  backwards, 
that  is,  not  curved  over  the  back,  but  having  only  a  very  gentle 
sweep,  to  prevent  touching  the  ground.  Fore  legs  slightly  bandy, 
yet  this  is  not  to  be  sought  for,  but  to  be  avoided  as  much  as  pos- 


78  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

sible,  though  always  more  or  less  present.  The  dew-claws  are  en- 
tirely abssnt,  and  if  present  may  be  considered  a  mark  of  impurity. 
The  colors  most  in  request  are  steel-grey,  with  black  tips ;  fawn 
with  brown  tips  to  ears  and  tail;  black,  fawn,  or  blue,  especially 
a  dark,  slaty  blue ;  the  slightest  trace  of  white  is  carefully  avoided. 
The  hair  is  long  and  straight,  hard,  and  not  silky,  parted  down  the 
back,  and  nearly  reaching  the  ground  on  each  side,  without  the 
slightest  curl  or  resemblance  to  wool.  On  the  legs  and  on  the  top 
of  the  head  it  is  lighter  in  color  than  on  the  body,  and  is  softer  and 
more  silky.  This  dog  is  little  used  as  a  sporting  or  vermin  dog, 
being  chiefly  reserved  for  the  companionship  of  man,  but  he  is 
sometimes  employed  as  a  vermin-killer,  and  is  as  game  as  the  rest 
of  the  terriers,  when  employed  for  that  purpose.  His  weight  is 
from  10  to  18  Ibs.,  averaging  about  14.  But  the  variations  in  this 
particular,  as  indeed  in  almost  all  the  points  of  the  Skye  terrier, 
are  numerous  beyond  description.  Thus  there  are,  first  of  all,  two 
if  not  three  kinds  of  the  pure  Skye ;  one  rather  small  in  size,  with 
long  soft  hair ;  another  considerably  larger,  and  with  hard,  wiry 
hair;  while  again,  between  these  two,  a  third  may,  by  hair-split- 
ters, be  readily  made  out.  Then  there  is  also  a  cross  between  the 
Skye  and  Dandie,  which  partakes  in  nearly  equal  proportions  of 
the  characteristics  of  each ;  and,  lastly,  most  of  the  Skye  terriers 
about  London  are  crossed  with  the  spaniel,  giving  them  that  silky 
coat  and  jet  black  color  which  are  admired  by  the  ladies,  but  mark 
impurity  of  blood.  This  cross  is  detected  by  the  worn-out  ap- 
pearance of  the  hair  on  the  face,  up  to  the  brow.  The  Skye  is  a 
very  good  vermin  dog,  and  will  hunt  anything.  The  portrait  of 
the  prick-eared  variety  given  is  that  of  a  dog  belonging  to  Mr.  H. 
Martin,  of  Glasgow. 

The  Fox  Terrier  was  originally  kept  as  an  addition  to  every  pack 
of  foxhounds,  being  always  so  handy  as  to  be  up  within  a  very  few 
minutes  of  running  to  ground.  Now  hounds  are  so  fast  that  he 
would  be  left  many  miles  behind  in  a  run,  and  dependence  is  there- 
fore placed  upon  any  chance  terrier  at  hand  when  one  is  wanted. 
But  in  proportion  as  he  has  ceased  to  be  used  in  the  hunting-field, 
Jie  has  attained  popularity  as  the  most  fashionable  companion  for 


THE    TERRIER. 


79 


young  men,  and  of  late  years  the  classes  of  fox-terriers  at  our  dog 
shows  have  been  the  most  numerous  and  generally  interesting. 

The  points  are  as  follows :  Head  flat,  and  narrow  between  the 
eyes,  but  wider  between  the  ears, — these  are  set  rather  back  but  lie 
close  to  the  cheek,  and  are  small  and  thin  ;  jaw  strong,  mouth 
level,  and  teeth  strong ;  eyes  small  and  keen  ;  nose  black ;  shoul- 
ders straight,  not  too  wide  ;  chest  full  and  round,  but  not  deep  ; 
neck  light  and  coming  beautifully  out  of  the  shoulder  ;  back  pow- 


„*  «w\fe  -'- lf- 

Fig.   14.— FOX  TERRIER,  BITTERS. 


erful,  and  thighs  well  bent  and  strong ;  legs  and  feet  straight  and 
strong ;  color  white,  with  black,  or  black  and  tan,  or  tan  markings 
about  the  head  ;  coat  fine,  but  hard  and  not  silky ;  weight  not  ex- 
ceeding 16  Ibs. 

At  the  present  time  the  most  noted  show  fox  terriers  are  Mr. 
Burbidge's  Bitters,  Nimrod,  Royal,  Nettle,  and  Dorcas,  Mr.  Ab- 
bott's Moslem,  Mr.  Hyde's  Buffett,  Mr.  Murchison's  Forceps,  Olive, 
Ttfatty,  and  Whisky,  Mr.  Gibson's  Boxer  and  Joe,  Mr.  Fletcher's 


80  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

Rattler,  and  Mr.  Whittle's  Yorick.  The  most  successful  breeders 
of  these  have  been  Mr.  Luke  Turner  and  Mr.  Gibson,  the  former 
having  bred  Nettle,  Olive,  and  Joe,  besides  the  first  bitch  puppy  at 
the  Lillie  Bridge  show,  while  the  latter  has  bred  Dorcas,  Buffett, 
Natty,  and  Boxer. 

I  have  sslected  for  the  engraving,  as  the  best  specimen,  the  dog 
Bitters,  he  being,  I  believe,  the  nearest  of  any  of  the  dogs  to  the 
requirements  of  a  fox  terrier.  Bitters  won  his  first  prize  (under 
the  name  of  Jock)  at  Epworth  in  1872,  and  has  altogether  won 
nine  first  and  nine  second  prizes. 

The  BedUngton  Terrier  has  long  been  prized  in  the  north  of  Eng- 
land, but  until  lately  it  has  not  been  known  out  of  that  district. 
It  is  a  very  quarrelsome  dog,  and  is  said  to  be  of  high  courage. 
The  body  is  not  very  long,  the  general  appearance  being  somewhat 
leggy ;  head  high  and  narrow,  and  crowned  with  a  tuft  of  silky 
hair  like  the  Dandie ;  eyes  s:nall,  round,  and  rather  sunk ;  ears 
filbcrt-sliapecl,  long,  and  hanging  close  to  the  cheek ;  neck  long 
and  slender ;  legs  rather  long,  but  well  formed  and  straight ;  color 
liver  or  sandy,  or  dark  blue,— in  the  two  former  cases  with  a  cherry 
nose,  in  the  latter  with  a  black  one. 

The  Yorkshire  Blue  Tan,  silky  coated  Terrier,  is  a  modern  breed 
altogether,  having  been  almost  unknown  beyond  the  neighborhood 
of  Halifax  until  within  the  last  few  years.  Excepting  in  color  and 
coat  this  dog  resembles  the  old  English  rough  terrier,  as  well  as  the 
Scotch,  but  the  silky  texture  of  his  coit  and  his  rich  blue  tan  color 
are  the  result  of  careful  selection  and  probably  of  crossing  with  the 
Maltese.  The  ears  are  generally  cropped,  but  if  entire  should  be 
fine,  thin,  and  moderately  small.  The  coat  should  be  long,  silky 
in  texture,  and  well  parted  down  the  back.  The  beard  is  peculU 
arly  long  and  falling,  being  often  several  inches  in  length,  and  of 
a  rich  golden  tan  color.  The  color  must  be  entirely  blue  on  the 
back  and  down  to  the  elbows  and  thighs,  without  any  mixture  of 
tan  or  fawn.  The  legs  and  muzzle  should  be  a  rich  golden  tan ; 
the  ears  being  the  same,  but  of  a  darker  shade.  On  the  top  of  the 
skull  it  becomes  lighter  and  almost  fawn.  The  weight  varies  from 
10  Ibs.  to  18  Ibs. 


THE    TERRIER. 


81 


Visitors  to  our  dog  shows  who  look  out  for  the  beautiful  as  well 
as  the  useful,  cannot  fail  to  be  attracted  by  this  little  exquisite,  as 
he  reclines  on  his  cushion  of  silk  or  velvet,  in  the  center  of  his 
little  palace  of  crystal  and  mahogany,  or  struts  round  his  mansion, 
with  the  consequential  airs  of  the  dandy  that  he  is ;  yet,  with  all 


Fig.   15. — YORKSHIRE  TERRIER,    LADY  GIFFARD'S  KATIE. 


his  self-assertion  of  dignity,  his  beard  of  approved  cut  and  color, 
faultless  whiskers  of  Dundreary  type,  and  coat  of  absolute  perfec- 
tion, without  one  hair  awry,  one  cannot  help  feeling  that  he  is  but 
a  dandy  after  all. 

Although  so  very  modern,  it  is  difficult  to  trace  satisfactorily 
the  pedigree  of  this  breed ;  indeed,  pedigree  he  may  be  said  at 
present  to  have  none,  and  it  is  hard  to  say  out  of  what  materials 
he  was  manufactured  ;  but  the  warp  and  woof  of  him  appear  to 
have  been  the  common  long-coated  black  and  tan,  and  the  lighter- 
colored  specimens  of  what  is  known  as  the  Glasgow  or  Paisley 
Skye  terrier,  the  former  of  no  certain  purity,  and  the  latter  an  ad- 
mitted mongrel ;  and  from  which  I  think  the  Yorkshire  gets  the 
softness  and  length  of  coat  due  to  Maltese  blood.  In  shape  this 


82  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

dog  is  in  the  proportion  of  hight  to  length  between  the  Skye  and 
English  terrier — rather  nearer  to  the  latter ;  a  long  back  is  objected 
to.  As  they  are  always  shown  in  full  dress,  little  more  than  out* 
line  of  shape  is  looked  for;  the  eye,  except  when  the  hair  is  .tied 
up,  is  invisible  ;  the  tail  is  shortened,  and  the  ear  is  generally  cut  -, 
when  uncut  it  must  be  small,  and  is  preferred  when  it  drops 
slightly  at  the  tip,  but  this  is  a  trival  point,  and  sinks  into  insig- 
nificance before  coat  and  color ;  the  coat  must  be  abundant  ovei 
the  whole  body,  head,  legs,  and  tail,  and  artificial  means  are  used 
to  encourage  its  growth ;  length  and  straightness,  freedom  from 
curl  and  waviness,  being  sought  for ;  the  body  color  should  be  clear, 
soft,  silvery  blue,  of  course  varying  in  shade ,  with  this  is  preferred 
a  golden  tan  head,  with  darker  tan  about  the  ears,  and  rich  tan 
legs.  The  style  in  which  the  coat  is  arranged  for  exhibition  is 
beautifully  shown  in  the  sketch  of  Katie  ;  but  that  stage  of  perfec- 
tion is  not  attained  without  much  time,  trouble,  and  patience 
When  the  pups  are  born,  they  are  black  in  color,  as  are  pepper 
Dandie  Dinmonts  and  others ;  at  an  early  age  the  tip  of  the  tail  is 
nipped  off  to  the  desired  length,  the  ears,  if  cut  at  all,  not  until 
the  age  of  six  to  eight  months ,  and  before  this  the  coat  will  be 
changing  color,  getting  gradually  lighter.  To  prevent  the  hair 
being  scratched  and  broken,  little  or  no  meat  is  given. 


THE  DACHSHUND.  85 


Fig.    16.— PAIR  OF  DACHSHUNDS. 


THE  DACHSHUND,  OR  GERMAN  BADGER  DOG. 

The  Dachshund  is  perhaps  one  of  the  most  ancient  forms  of  the 
domesticated  dog.  The  fact  is  that  he  has  for  centuries  repre- 
sented an  isolated  class  between  the  hound  and  the  terrier,  with- 
out being  more  nearly  connected  with  the  one  than  the  other.  His 
obstinate,  independent  character,  and  his  incapacity  to  be  trained 
or  broken  to  anything  beyond  his  inborn,  game-like  disposition, 
are  quite  unrivalled  among  all  other  races  of  the  dog.  Regarding 
his  frame,  he  differs  from  the  hound,  not  only  by  his  crooked  fore 
legs  and  small  size,  but  by  the  most  refined  modification  of  all 
parts  of  his  body,  according  to.  his  chief  task — to  work  under- 
ground. It  is  not  possible  to  imagine  a  more  favorable  frame  for 
an  "  earth  dog  "  than  the  real  dachshund  type.  Some  of  our  high- 
bred dachshunds  are  near  perfection,  according  to  German  points ; 
they  do  not  want  much  improvement,  but  propagation,  for  they 
are  seldom  met  with  even  in  northern  Germany. 

The  desire  for  "  hound-like  type  "  in  dachshunds  would  never 
have  originated  if  the  natural  vocation  of  this  breed  (underground 
work)  had  not  been  overlooked.  The  consequence  of  this  errone- 
ous idea  will  be  that  well-bred  dachshunds  will  be  regarded  as  a 
"  terrier  cross,"  and  that  it  will  be  next  to  impossible  for  many  dog 
fanciers  to  get  a  clear  idea  of  the  real  type  of  the  dachshund. 


86  DOMESTICATED    HUNTING-DOGS. 

Having  concentrated  all  varieties  of  the  badger  dog  to  one  single 
class— the  crook-legged,  short-haired  dog,  with  head  neither  hound 
nor  terrier-like,  weight  from  8  Ibs.  to  20  Ibs.,  color  black-tan  and 
its  variations — we  shall  still  me^t  here  many  varying  forms.  With 
some  attention  we  shall  soon  distinguish  the  common  breed  and 
the  well  or  high-bred  dachshund.  The  first  is  a  stout,  strong-boned, 
muscularly  built  dog,  with  large  head  and  strong  teeth  ;  the  back 
not  much  arched,  sometimes  even  straight;  tail  long  and  heavy; 
fore  legs  strong  and  regularly  formed  ;  the  head  and  tail  often  ap- 
pear to  be  too  large  in  the  dog;  the  hair  is  rather  coarse,  thick-set, 
short,  and  wiry,  lengthened  at  the  underside  of  the  tail,  without 
forming  a  brush  or  feather,  and  covering  a  good  deal  of  the  belly. 
These  dogs  are  good  workmen,  and  are  less  affected  by  weather 
than  high-bred  ones ;  but  they  arc  very  apt  to  exceed  18  Ibs.  and 
even  20  Ibs.  weight,  and  soon  get  fat  if  not  worked  frequently. 
From  this  common  breed  originates  the  well  and  high-bred  dog, 
which  may  at  any  time  be  produced  again  from  it  by  careful  selec- 
tion and  in-breecling  without  any  cross.  The  well  and  high-bred  dog 
is  smaller  in  size,  finer  in  bone,  more  elegantly  built,  and  seldom 
exceeds  16  Ibs.  to  17  Ibs.  weight ;  the  thin,  slight,  tapering  tail  is 
only  of  medium  length ;  the  hair  is  very  short,  glossy  like  silk,  but 
not  soft ;  the  under  part  of  the  body  is  very  thin-haired,  rendering 
these  nervous  and  high-spirited  dogs  rather  sensitive  to  wet  ground 
and  rain. 

In  hunting  above  ground  the  dachshund  follows  more  the  track 
than  the  general  scent  (witterung)  of  the  game ;  therefore  he  follows 
nther  slowly,  but  surely,  and  with  the  nose  pretty  close  to  the 
ground.  His  noise  in  barking  is  veiy  loud,  far  sounding,  and  of 
surprising  depth  for  a  dog  of  so  small  a  frame;  but,  in  giving 
tongue  while  hunting,  he  pours  forth  from  time  to  time  short, 
shrill  notes,  which  are  quickened  as  the  scent  gets  hotter,  and,  at 
sight  of  the  game  the  notes  are  often  resolved  into  an  indescribable 
scream,  as  if  the  dog  were  being  punished  in  a  most  cruel  manner. 

Though  not  a  pack  hound,  the  dachshund  will  soon  learn  to  run 
in  couples ;  and  two  or  three  of  these  couples,  when  acquainted 
with  one  another,  or  forming  a  little  family,  will  hunt  pretty  well 


THE    DACHSHUND.  7 

together.  They  do  not  frighten  their  game  so  much  as  the  larger 
hounds,  and,  when  frequently  used,  they  will  learn  to  stay  when 
arrived  at  the  line  of  the  shooters,  not  by  obedience  to  their  mas- 
ter, but  because  they  are  intelligent  enough  as  to  see  that  it  is  quite 
useless  to  run  longer  after  the  game. 

For  tracking  wounded  deer  or  a  roebuck  a  dachshund  may  be 
used  when  no  bloodhound  is  to  be  had  ;  but  they  must  be  accus- 
tomed to  collar  and  line  for  this  purpose,  and  then  they  are  rather 
troublesome  to  lead  in  rough  ground  or  coverts.  They  retrieve 
better  by  running  free  or  slipped,  but  must  carry  a  bell,  for  they 
are  apt  to  keep  silence  when  they  find  their  game  dead  ;  and,  be- 
ginning to  lick  at  the  wound  where  the  ball  has  gone  into  the 
body,  they  will  slowly  advance  to  tearing  and  to  eating  their  prey. 

Dachshunds  are  very  headstrong  and  difficult  to  keep  under 
command ;  and,  as  they  are  at  the  same  time  very  sensitive  to 
chastisement,  it  is  next  to  impossible  to  force  them  to  do  anything 
against  their  will.  Many  good  badger  dogs  have  been  made  cow- 
ards for  their  whole  life  by  one  severe  whipping.  They  must  be 
taken  as  they  arc— with  all  their  faults,  as  well  as  their  virtues. 
When  treated  always  kindly,  the  dachshund  is  very  faithful  to  his 
master,  and  not  only  a  useful,  but  a  most  amusing  dog — a  very 
humorist  among  the  canine  family.  In  spite  of  his  small  frame, 
he  has  always  an  air  of  consequence  and  independence  about  him ; 
but,  at  the  same  time,  he  is  very  inquisitive,  and  always  ready  to 
interfere  with  things  with  which  he  has  DO  concern.  He  seems  to 
have  an  antipathy  to  large  dogs,  and,  if  they  object  to  be  domi- 
neered over,  the  dachshund  will  certainly  quarrel  with  them. 
When  his  blood  is  up,  he  will  care  neither  for  blows  nor  foi 
wounds,  and  is  often  bitten  dreadfully  in  such  encounters.  There- 
fore dachshunds  should  not  be  kept  in  kennels  with  larger  dogs. 
When  kept  in  houses  and  accustomed  to  children,  they  will  make 
good  pets,  for  they  are  clean,  intelligent,  and  watchful,  without 
being  noisy,  though  often  snappish  with  strangers.  First  in- 
troduced into  the  United  States  about  twelve  years  ago,  they 
are  now  becoming  quite  numerous. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

DOMESTICATED    DOGS,    FINDING   GAME    BY    SCENT, 

BUT  NOT  KILLING  IT,  BEING  CHIEFLY  USED 

IN  AID  OF  THE  GUN. 

THE  MODERN  ENGLISH  POINTER.  —  THE  PORTUGUESE  POINTER.  —  THE 
FRENCH  POINTER.  —  THE  DALMATIAN  AND  DANISH  DOGS.  —  THE 
ENGLISH  AND  IRISH  SETTERS. — THE  RUSSIAN  SETTER.— THE  ORDINARY 
FIELD  SPANIEL,  INCLUDING  THE  SPRINGER  (CLUMBER,  SUSSEX,  AND 
NORFOLK  BREEDS),  AND  THE  COCKER  (WELSH  AND  DEVONSHIRE). — 
THE  WATER  SPANIEL  (ENGLISH  AND  IRISH). — THE  CHESAPEAKE  BAT 

DOG, 

THE    MODERN  ENGLISH   POINTER. 

This  is  now  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  all  our  sporting  dogs, 
dividing  with  the  setter  the  admiration  of  all  those  who  enjoy  the 
pleasures  attending  on  the  use  of  the  gun. 

The  points  desirable  in  the  pointer  are,  a  moderately  large  head, 
wide  rather  than  long,  with  a  high  forehead,  and  an  intelligent  eye 
of  medium  size.  Muzzle  broad,  with  its  outline  square  in  front, 
not  receding  as  in  the  hound.  Flews  manifestly  present,  but  not 
pendent.  The  head  should  be  well  set  on  the  neck,  with  a  peculiar 
form  at  the  junction  only  seen  in  the  pointer.  The  neck  itself 
should  be  long,  convex  in  its  upper  outline,  without  any  tendency 
to  a  dewlap  or  to  a  "  ruff,"  as  the  loose  skin  covered  with  long  hair 
round  the  neck  is  called.  The  body  is  of  good  length,  with  a  strong 
loin,  wide  hips,  and  rather  arched  ribs,  the  chest  being  well  let 
down,  but  not  in  a  hatchet  shape  as  in  the  greyhound,  and  the  depth 
of  the  back  ribs  being  proportionately  greater  than  in  that  dog. 
The  tail,  or  "  stern  "  as  it  is  technically  called,  is  strong  at  the  root, 
but  suddenly  diminishing  it  becomes  very  fine,  and  then  continues 
nearly  of  the  same  size  to  within  two  inches  of  the  tip,  when  it 
goes  off  to  a  point  looking  as  sharp  as  the  sting  of  a  wasp,  and  giv- 
ing the  whole  very  much  the  appearance  of  that  part  of  the  insect, 
but  magnified  as  a  matter  of  course.  This  peculiar  shape  of  the 
88 


THE   MODERN   ENGLISH    POINTER.  89 

stern  characterizes  the  breed,  and  its  absence  shows  a  cross  with  th« 
hound  or  some  other  dog.  The  shoulders  are  points  of  great  im- 
portance in  the  pointer,  as  unless  they  are  well-formed  he  cannot 
last  throughout  the  day,  and,  moreover,  he  can  neither  stop  him- 
self nor  turn  quickly  in  his  work  as  he  ought  to  do.  Hence,  a 
long,  slanting,  but  muscular  blade  is  of  vast  importance,  united  to  a 
long  upper  arm,  which  again  requires  for  its  existence  an  elbow  well 
let  down  below  the  chest,  and  a  short  fore  arm.  This  low  posi- 
tion of  the  elbow  is  not  generally  sufficiently  insisted  on,  but  in 
pointers  and  setters  it  is  all-important,  and  it  will  be  seen  to  be 
particularly  well  shown  in  the  portrait,  page  21.  Plenty  of  bone 
in  the  leg,  well  clothed  with  muscle  and  tendon,  a  strong  knee, 
full-sized  ankle,  and  round  strong  foot,  provided  with  a  thick  sole, 
are  also  essential  to  the  wear  and  tear  of  the  fore  quarter,  while 
the  hind  requires  muscular  haunches  and  thighs,  strong  well-bent 
stifles,  large  and  strong  hocks,  and  the  hind  feet  of  the  same  char- 
acter as  those  described  for  the  fore  feet.  The  color  should  be 
principally  white,  in  order  that  the  dog  may  readily  be  seen  either 
among  heather,  or  in  clover  or  turnips,  as  the  case  may  be.  Liver- 
colored  or  black  pointers  look  very  handsome,  but  it  will  be  found 
that  great  inconvenience  attaches  to  them,  as  they  will  often  be 
lost  si^ht  of  when  pointing  in  either  of  the  above  kinds  of  beat. 
White,  with  black,  liver,  yellow,  or  lemon-colored  heads,  are  the 
most  prized  ;  and  of  these  my  prejudice  is  in  favor  of  the  last 
from  hiving  had  and  seen  so  many  good  dogs  of  that  color.  A 
spot  or  two  on  the  body,  and  any  number  of  ticks,  are  not  consid- 
ersd  objectionable,  particularly  the  latter,  which  are  generally  ad- 
mired. Some  breeds  are  distinguished  by  having  numerous  white 
ticks  in  the  color,  especially  when  there  are  large  patches  on  the 
body,  the  marks  on  the  head  being  usually  free  from  them.  Black 
and  white  pointers  have  sometimes  also  the  tanned  spots  over  the 
eye,  and  the  edges  of  the  black  on  the  cheeks  tinged  with  tan  ;  but 
this  is  supposed  to  indicate  a  cross  of  the  foxhound,  and  no  doubt 
in  many  cases  with  truth  ;  yet  I  fancy  that  if  a  yellow  and  white 
pointer  is  put  to  a  black  and  white  one,  the  tan  will  show  itself 
occasionally  without  any  admixture  with  the  hound.  The  coat  oi 


DOMESTICATED    DOGS    FOR   THE    GUN. 

the  high-bred  pointer  is  short  and  soft  to  the  touch ;  but  for  hard 
work,  especially  on  the  moors,  a  dog  with  rather  a  wiry  coat,  and 
well  clothed  with  hair  on  the  legs  and  feet,  should  be  preferred ; 
but  these  will  show  rather  more  hair  on  the  stern  than  is  thought 
to  be  characteristic  of  high  breeding ;  yet  let  the  stern  be  ever  so 
hairy,  there  ought  to  be  the  same  small  bone  and  pointed  tip  as  in 
the  engraving 

Among  pointers  there  are  no  national  divisions  corresponding 
with  those  of  the  setters.  There  are,  however,  two  distinct  vari- 
eties, strongly  marked  by  color,  viz.,  the  lemon  and  white,  and 
the  liver  and  white,  besides  the  black  and  white,  the  whole  liver, 
and  the  whole  black  strains  ;  but  these  last  are  not  common  in  the 
present  day,  and  the  appearance  of  one  on  the  show  bench  is 
almost  as  rare  as  a  black  swan.  Among  the  liver  and  whites,  the 
dog3  are  often  too  heavy  for  much  speed  or  endurance — a  remark- 
able exception  being  the  celebrated  Drake  (see  page  21),  bred  by 
Sir  R.  Garth,  and  sold  by  him  at  a  high  figure  in  his  seventh  season 
to  Mr.  R.  J.  Lloyd  Price,  of  Wales,  at  which  advanced  age  he  went 
as  fast,  and  showed  as  good  a  nose,  as  most  puppies  even  of  high 
class.  This  dog  was  in  his  day  the  fastest  and  most  wonderful 
animal  that  ever  quartered  a  field,  and  his  race  up  to  a  brace  of 
birds  at  Shrewsbury  in  the  field  trials  of  1868,  when  the  ground 
was  so  dry  as  to  cause  a  cloud  of  dust  to  rise  on  his  dropping  to 
their  scent,  was  a  sight  which  will  probably  never  be  seen  again. 
He  was  truly  a  phenomenon  among  pointers.  His  extraordinary 
pace  compelled  his  dropping  in  this  way,  for  otherwise  he  could 
not  have  stopped  himself  in  time,  but  when  he  had  lost  pace  in 
his  seventh  season,  he  began  frequently  to  stand  up,  as  represented. 
In  appearance,  he  is  not  taking,  having  a  plain  head  with  a  some- 
what throaty  neck ;  but  his  frame  is  all  through  good,  and  there  is 
no  lumber  about  him. 


THE  PORTUGUESE  POINTER 

Resembles  the  Spanish  in  general  form,  but  is  furnished  with  a 
bushy  stern,  and  looks  like  a  cross  with  the  old-fashioned  spaniel. 


DALMATIAN   AND   DANISH   DOGS. 


91 


Fig.   17.— DALMATIAN  DOG,    CAPTAIN. 


THE  DALMATIAN  AND  DANISH  DOGS. 

The  Dalmajion  dog  is  a  handsome,  well-formed  dog,  standing 
about  24  or  25  inches  high,  and  resembling  the  pointer  in  his 
shape,  but  usually  having  his  ears  cropped,  as  shown  in  the  en- 
graving. He  is  beautifully  spotted  with  black  on  a  white  ground, 
his  chief  merit  consisting  in  the  nearly  uniform  size  of  the  spots 
(which  should  be  from  about  an  inch  in  diameter),  and  in  their 
distinctness  from  the  white  in  which  they  are  imbedded ;  and  being 
remarkably  fond  of  horses,  and  of  road-work  with  them,  he  has 
been  long  employed  in  England  to  accompany  our  carriages  as  an 
ornamental  appendage ;  but  this  fashion  has  of  late  years  subsided. 
Hence  he  is  commonly  known  as  the  "Coach  Dog;"  but  in  his 
native  country  he  is  used  as  a  pointer  in  the  field,  and  is  said  to 
perform  his  duties  well  enough. 


92  DOMESTICATED   DOGS   FOR  THE 

The  small  Danish  dog  is  smaller  than  the  Dalmatian ;  but,  being 
spotted  in  the  same  way,  and  characterized  by  the  same  fondness 
for  horses,  they  are  generally  confounded  under  the  term  "  Coach 
Dog." 


SETTERS. 

THE  ENGLISH  SETTER. — THE  BLACK  AND   TAN  OE  GORDON   SETTER. — THE 
IRISH    SETTER. 

The  setter  is,  without  doubt,  either  descended  from  tne  spaniel, 
or  both  are  offshoots  from  the  same  parent  stock.  Originally— 
that  is  before  the  improvements  in  the  gun  introduced  the  practice 
of  "  shooting  flying," — it  is  believed  that  he  was  merely  a  spaniel 
taught  to  "  stop"  or  "  set"  as  soon  as  he  came  upon  the  scent  of 
the  partridge,  when  a  net  was  drawn  over  the  covey  by  two  men. 
Hence  he  was  made  to  drop  close  to  the  ground,  an  attitude  which 
is  now  unnecessary ;  though  it  is  taught  by  some  breakers,  and 
notably  to  very  fast  dogs,  who  could  not  otherwise  stop  themselves 
quickly  enough  to  avoid  flushing.  Manifestly,  a  dog  prone  on  the 
ground  allowed  the  net  to  be  drawn  over  him  better  than  if  he 
was  standing  up  ;  and  hence  the  former  attitude  was  preferred,  an 
additional  reason  for  its  adoption  being  probably  that  it  was  more 
easily  taught  to  a  dog  like  the  spaniel,  which  has  not  the  natural 
cataleptic  attitude  of  the  pointer.  But  when  "shooting  flying'1 
came  into  vogue,  breakers  made  the  attempt  to  assimilate  the  atti- 
tude of  the  setting  spaniel,  or  "setter"  as  he  was  now  called,  to 
that  of  the  pointer;  and  in  process  of  time,  and  possibly  also  by 
crossing  with  that  dog  they  succeeded,  though,  even  after  the 
lapse  of  more  than  a  century,  the  cataleptic  condition  is  not  so 
fully  displayed  by  the  setter  as  by  the  pointer.  In  the  present  day, 
as  a  rule,  the  standing  position  is  preferred,  though  some  well 
known  breakers,  and  notably  George  Thomas,  Mr.  Statter's  keeper, 
have  preferred  the  "  drop,"  which  certainly  enables  a  fast  dog  to 
stop  himself  more  quickly  tnan  he  could  do  by  standing  up.  It  is, 


SETTERS.  95 

however,  attended  with  the  disadvantage  that  in  heather  or  clover 
a  "  dropped  "  dog  cannot  be  seen  nearly  so  far  as  if  he  was  stand- 
ing, and  on  one  occasion,  at  the  famous  Eala  trials,  the  celebrated 
Ranger  was  lost  for  many  minutes,  having  "  dropped  "  on  game  in 
a  slight  hollow,  surrounded  by  heather.  As  a  rule,  therefore,  the 
standing  position  is  the  better  one,  but  in  such  fast  dogs  as  Ranger 
and  Drake,  "  dropping"  may  be  excused.  At  the  above  meeting, 
however,  after  a  long  and  evenly  b-ilanced  trial  between  Mr.  Mac- 
dona's  Ranger  and  Mr.  R.  J.  LI.  Price's  Belle,  the  latter  only  won 
by  her  superior  attitude  on  the  point,  and  Ranger  again  suffered 
the  penalty  for  dropping  at  Ipswich. 


96  DOMESTICATED   DOGS   FOB   THE   GTTN. 

THE    ENGLISH    SETTER. 

Since  the  first  publication  of  the  articles  on  the  various  breeds 
on  dogs  in  The  Field,  during  the  years  1865-6,  the  strain  of  English 
setters  known  by  the  name  of  "  Laverack,"  from  the  gentleman 
who  bred  them,  has  carried  all  before  it,  both  on  the  show  bench 
and  in  the  public  field  trials  which  have  been  annually  held.  For 
this  high  character  it  is  greatly  indebted  to  the  celebrated  Countess, 
who  was  certainly  an  extraordinary  animal,  both  in  appearance 
and  at  work ;  for  until  she  came  out  the  only  Laverack  which  had 
shone  to  advantage  was  Sir  R  Garth's  Daisy,  a  good  average  bitch. 
Though  small,  Countess  was  possessed  of  extraordinary  pace,  not 
perhaps  quite  equal  to  that  of  the  still  more  celebrated  pointer 
Drake,  but  approaching  so  closely  to  it  that  his  superiority  would 
be  disputed  by  many  of  her  admirers.  On  referring  to  her  por- 
trait (see  frontispiece),  it  will  be  seen  that  her  frame,  though  on 
short  legs,  is  full  of  elegance,  and  her  beautiful  head  and  neck 
are  absolutely  perfect. 

The  most  remarkable  feature  in  the  Laverack  breed  of  setters  is 
the  extraordinary  extent  to  which  in-breeding  has  been  carried,  as 
shown  in  the  pedigree  of  Countess,  given  by  Mr.  Laverack  in  his 
book  on  the  setter.  By  examining  this  carefully,  it  will  be  seen 
that  every  animal  in  it,  is  descended  from  Ponto  and  Old  Moll, 
which  were  obtained  by  Mr.  Laverack  in  1825  from  the  Rev.  A. 
Harrison,  who  lived  near  Carlisle,  and  who  had  kept  the  breed 
pure  for  thirty  five  years.  Four  names  only  besides  these  two 
are  found  in  the  right  hand  column,  and  these  four  are  all  de- 
scended from  Ponto  and  old  Moll,  as  will  be  seen  at  a  glance  by 
referring  to  the  names  in  italic  in  the  middle  of  the  table.  Thus 
it  appears  that  they  alone  formed  Mr.  Laverack's  breed,  though 
he  often  stated  that  he  had  tried  the  introduction  of  alien  blood, 
but  finding  it  not  to  answer,  he  had  abandoned  the  produce,  and 
resorted  again  to  the  original  stock.  This  has  led  to  the  belief 
that  the  pedigree  is  incorrect,  but  he  was  very  positive  in  his  state- 
ment. If  correct,  it  certainly  is  the  most  remarkable  case  of 
breeding-in-and-in  I  ever  met  with. 


THE   ENGLISH    SETTER. 


97 


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98  DOMESTICATED    DOGS    FOE   THE    GUN. 

A  great  many  different  strains  of  English  setters  might  be  ad- 
duced from  all  parts  of  the  country,  but  notably  from  the  north  of 
England,  with  claims  superior  to  those  of  Mr.  Laverack's  strain, 
up  to  the  time  of  the  institution  of  field  trials.  Among  these  were 
the  Graham  and  Corbet  breeds,  those  of  the  Earl  of  Tankerville, 
Lord  Waterpark,  Mr.  Bishop,  Mr.  Bayley,  Mr.  Lort,  Mr.  Jones  (of 
Oscott),  Major  Cowan,  Mr.  Withington,Mr.  Paul  Hackett,  and  Mr. 
Calver,  the  last  two  being  a  good  deal  crossed  with  Gordon  blood. 
None  of  these  strains  were,  however,  so  generally  known  beyond 
the  immediate  circle  of  their  owners'  friends  as  to  have  gained  a 
Universal  reputation  ;  and  it  was  not  until  the  public  appearance  of 
Mr.  Garth's  Daisy,  and  afterwards  that  of  Mr.  Purcell  Llewellyn's 
Countess  and  Nelly,  that  the  Laverack  strain  attained  its  present 
high  reputation.  Before  Daisy  came  out,  Mr.  Garth  had  produced 
a  brace  of  very  bad  ones  at  Stafford  in  1867 ;  and  it  was  with  con- 
Biderable  prejudice  against  them  that  the  above  celebrated  hitches 
first  exhibited  their  powers,  in  spite  of  the  high  character  given  of 
them  by  Mr.  Lort,  Mr.  Withington,  and  other  well-known  sports- 
men who  had  shot  over  them  for  years.  It  is  Mr.  Lort's  opinion 
that  Mr.  Withington  possessed  better  dogs  than  even  Countess ; 
but  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that  private  trials  are  generally  more 
flattering  than  those  before  the  public. 

I  come  now  to  consider  the  value  of  Mr.  Llewellyn's  "  field  trial " 
strain,  as  they  are  somewhat  grandiloquently  termed  by  their  "  pro- 
moters," or  as  I  shall  term  them,  the  "  Dan-Laveracks,"  being  all 
either  by  Dan  out  of  Laverack  bitches,  or  by  a  Laverack  dog  out 
of  a  sister  to  Dan.  As  a  proof  of  the  superiority  of  this  cross  to 
the  pure  Laveracks,  "Setter"  states,  that  during  the  last  two 
years  ten  of  this  breed  "  (Laveracks),  "  and  ten  of  the  Duke-Rhoebe 
and  Laverack  cross,  have  been  sent  to  America ;  the  former  includ- 
ing Petrel,  winner  of  the  champion  prize  at  Birmingham,  Pride 
of  the  Border,  Fairy,  and  Victress ;  the  latter  including  Rock,  Lei- 
cester, Rob  Roy,  Dart,  and  Dora,  the  same  men  being  owners  of 
both  sorts.  At  the  American  Shows  both  sorts  have  appeared,  and 
the  Rhoebe  blood  has  always  beaten  the  Laverack.  At  field  trials 
no  Laverack  has  been  entered  ;  but,  first,  second,  and  third  prizes 


THE   ENGLISH    SETTER.  99 

were  gained  at  their  last  field  trials,  in  the  champion  stakes,  by 
dogs  of  the  Rhcebe  blood,  all  descended  from  Mr  Llewellyn's  ken- 
nel." I  confess  that,  in  my  opinion,  this  does  not  indicate  any 
superiority  in  the  one  over  the  other,  as  far  as  regards  fieLl  trials, 
since  they  were  not  tested  together ;  and  in  reference  to  the  supe- 
riority of  the  Dan-Laveracks  on  the  show  bench,  it  is  of  little  in- 
terest to  my  present  inquiry,  but  I  unhesitatingly  state,  that,  as  far 
as  my  judgment  and  opportunities  for  forming  it  go,  "  Setter  "  is 
quito  correct.  Dan  himself  was  a  very  fine  upstanding  and  hand- 
some dog,  and  his  stock  might  therefore  be  expected  to  resemble 
him,  while  the  Laverack  dogs  are  nearly  all  heavy  and  lumbering, 
and  the  bitches,  though  very  elegant,  too  small  and  delicate  for 
perfection. 
The  points  of  the  English  setter  may  be  described  as  follows : 

1.  The  skull  has  a  character  peculiar  to  itself,  somewhat  between 
that  of  the  pointer  and  cocker  spaniel,  not  so  heavy  as  the  former's, 
and  larger  than  the  latter's.     It  is  without  the  prominence  of  the 
occipital  bone  so  remarkable  in  the  pointer,  is  also  narrower  be- 
tween the  ears,  and  there  is  a  decided  brow  over  the  eyes. 

2.  The  nose  should  be  long  and  wide,  without  any  fullness  un* 
der  the  eyes.     There  should  be  in  the  average  dog  setter  at  least 
four  inches  from  the  inner  corner  of  the  eye  to  the  end  of  the  nose. 
Between  the  point  and  the  root  of  the  nose  there  should  be  a  slight 
depression — at  all   events,  there  should  be  no  fullness — and  the 
eyebrows  should  rise  sharply  from  it.     The  nostrils  must  be  'wide 
apart  and  large  in  the  openings,  and  the  end  should  be  moist  and 
cool,  though  many  a  dog  with  exceptionally  good  scenting  powers 
has  had  a  remarkably  dry  nose,  amounting  in  some  cases  to  rough- 
ness like  that  of  shagreen.     In  all  setters  the  end  of  the  nose  should 
be  black,  or  dark  liver-colored,  but  in  the  very  best  bred  whites  or 
lemon  and  whites  pink  is  often  met  with,  and  may  in  them  be  par« 
doned.    The  jaws  should  be  exactly  equal  in  length,  a  "  snipe 
nose,"  or  "  pig  jaw,"  as  the  receding  lower  one  is  called,  being 
greatly  against  its  possessor. 

3.  Ears,  lips,  and  eyes.     With  regard  to  ears,  they  should  be 
shorter  than  the  pointer's  and  rounded,  but  not  so  much  so  as 


100  DOMESTICATED    DOGS   FOB   THE    GUN. 

those  of  the  spaniel.  The  "  leather"  should  be  thin  and  soft, car- 
ried closely  to  the  cheeks,  so  as  not  to  show  the  inside,  without 
the  slightest  tendency  to  prick  the  ear,  which  should  be  clothed 
with  silky  hair  little  more  than  two  inches  in  lengta.  The  lips 
also  are  not  so  full  and  pendulous  as  those  of  the  pointer,  but  at 
their  angles  there  should  be  a  slight  fullness,  not  reaching  quite  to 
the  extent  of  hanging.  The  eyes  must  be  full  of  animation,  and 
of  medium  size,  the  best  color  being  a  rich  brown,  and  they  should 
be  set  with  their  angles  straight  across. 

4.  The  neck  has  not  the  full  rounded  muscularity  of  the  pointer, 
being  considerably  thinner,  but  still  slightly  arched,  and  set  into 
the  head  without  that  prominence  of   the  occipital  bone  which  is 
so  remarkable  in  that  dog.    It  must  not  be  "  throaty,"  though  the 
skin  is  loose. 

5.  The  shoulders  and  chest  should  display  great  liberty  in  all  di- 
rections, with  sloping  deep  shoulder  blades,  and  elbows  well  let 
down.     The  chest  should  be  deep  rather  than  wide,  though  Mr. 
Laverack  insists  on  the  contrary  formation,  italicising  the  word 
wide  in  his  remarks  at  page  22  of  his  book.     Possibly  it  may  be 
owing  to  this  formation  that  his  dogs  have  not  succeeded  at  any 
field  trial,  as  above  remarked ;  for  the  bitches  of  his  breed,  nota- 
bly Countess  and  Daisy,  which  I  have  seen,  were  as  narrow  as  any 
setter  breeder  could  desire.    I  am  quite  satisfied  that  on  this  point 
Mr.  Laverack  is  altogether  wrong.     I  fully  agree  with  him,  how- 
ever,' that  the  "  ribs  should  be  well  sprung  behind  the  shoulder," 
and  great  depth  of  the  back  ribs  should  be  especially  demanded. 

6.  Back,  quarters,  and  stifles.     An  arched  loin  is  desirable,  but 
not  to  the  extent  of  being  "  roached  "  or  "  wheel-backed,"  a  defect 
which  generally  tends  to  a  slow  up-and-down  gallop.     Stifles  well 
bent,  and  set  wide  apart,  to  allow  the  hind  legs  to  be  brought  for 
ward  with  liberty  in  the  gallop. 

7.  Legs,  elbows,  and  hocks.     The  elbows  and  toes,  which  gener- 
ally go  together,  should  be  set  straight ;  and  if  not,  the  "  pigeon- 
toe  "  or  in-turned  leg  is  less  objectionable  than  the  out-turn,  in  which 
the  elbow  is  confined  by  its  close  attachment  to  the  ribs.    The  arm 
should  be  muscular  and  the  bone  fully  developed,  with  strong  and 


THE   ENGLISH    SETTER.  101 

broad  knees,  short  pasterns,  of  which  the  size  in  point  of  bone 
should  be  as  great  as  possible  (a  very  important  point),  and  their 
slope  not  exceeding  a  very  slight  deviation  from  the  straight  line. 
Many  good  judges  insist  upon  a  perfectly  upright  pastern,  like  that 
of  the  foxhound ;  but  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that  the  setter  has 
to  stop  himself  suddenly  when  at  full  stretch  he  catches  scent,  and 
to  do  this  with  an  upright  and  rigid  pastern  causes  a  considerable 
strain  on  the  ligaments,  soon  ending  in  "  knuckling  over ;"  hence  a 
very  slight  bend  is  to  be  preferred.  The  hind  legs  should  be  mus- 
cular, with  plenty  of  bone,  clean  strong  hocks,  and  hairy  feet. 

8.  The  feet  should  be  carefully  examined,  as  upon  their  capabil- 
ity of  standing  wear  and  tear  depends  the  utility  of  the  dog.    A 
great  difference  of  opinion  exists  as  to  the  comparative  merits  of 
the  cat  and  hare  foot  for  standing  work.    Foxhound  masters  in- 
variably select  that  of  the  cat,  and,  as  they  have  better  opportuni- 
ties than  any  other  class  of  instituting  the  necessary  comparison, 
their  selection  may  be  accepted  as  final.     But,  as  setters  are  spe- 
cially required  to  stand  wet  and  heather,  it  is  imperatively  neces- 
sary that  there  should  be  a  good  growth  of  hair  between  the  toes, 
and  on  this  account  a  hare  foot,  well  clothed  with  hair,  as  it  gen- 
erally is,  must  be  preferred  to  a  cat  foot  naked,  as  is  often  the 
case,  except  on  the  upper  surface. 

9.  The  flag  is  in  appearance  very  characteristic  of  the  breed,  al- 
though it  sometimes  happens  that  one  or  two  puppies  in  a  well- 
bred  litter  exhibit  a  curl  or  other  malformation,  usually  consid- 
ered to  be  indicative  of  a  stain.    It  is  often  compared  to  a  scimitar, 
but  it  resembles  it  only  in  respect  of  its  narrowness,  the  amount 
of  curl  in  the  blade  of  this  Turkish  weapon  being  far  too  great  to 
make  it  the  model  of  the  setter's  flag.     Again,  it  has  been  com- 
pared to  a  comb  ;  but  as  combs  are  usually  straight,  here  again  the 
simile  fails,  as  the  setter's  flag  should  have  a  gentle  sweep;  and 
the  nearest  resemblance  to  any  familiar  form  is  to  the  scythe  with 
its  curve  reversed.     The  feather  must  be  composed  of  straight 
silky  hairs,  and  beyond  the  root  the  less  short  hair  on  the  flag  the 
better,  especially  towards  the  point,  of  which  the  bone  should  be 
fine,  and  the  feather  laperlng  with  it. 


102  DOMESTICATED   DOGS   FOR  THE   GUN. 

10.  Symmetry  and  quality.     In  character  the  setter  should  dis- 
play a  great  amount  of  "  quality,"  a  term  which  is  difficult  of  ex- 
planation, though  fully  appreciated  by  all  experienced  sportsmen. 
It  means  a  combination  of  'symmetry,  as  understood  by  the  artist, 
with  the  peculiar  attributes  of  the  breed  under  examination,  as  in- 
terpreted by  the  sportsman.     Thus,  a  setter  possessed  of  such  a 
frame  and  outline  as  to  charm  an  artist  would  be  considered  by  the 
sportsman  defective  in  "  quality  "  if  he  possessed  a  curly  or  harsh 
coat,  or  if  he  had  a  heavy  head  with  pendent  bloodhound-like  jowl 
and  throaty  neck.     The  general  outline  is  very  elegant,  and  more 
taking  to  the  eye  of  the  artist  than  that  of  the  pointer. 

11.  The  texture  and  feather  of  coat  are  much  regarded  among 
setter  breeders,  a  soft  silky  hair  without  curl  being  considered  a 
sine  qua  non.     The  feather  should  be  considerable,  and  should 
fringe  the  hind  as  well  as  the  fore  legs. 

12.  The  col  ^r  of  coat  is  not  much  insisted  on  among  English  set- 
ters, a  great  variety  being  admitted.     These  are  now  generally 
classed  as  follows,  in  the  order  given  :  (1)  Black  and  white  ticked, 
with  large  splashes,  and  more  or  less  marked  with  black,  known 
as  "  blue  Bel  ton  ; "    (2)   orange  and  white  freckled,  known   as 
orange  Belton  ;  (3)  plain  orange,  or  lemon  and  white;  (4)  liver  and 
white;  (5)  black  and  white,  with  slight  tan  markings;  (6)  black 
and  white;   (7)  liver  and  white;   (8)  pure  white ;   (9)  black;  (10) 
liver;  (11)  red  or  yellow. 


THE  BLACK-TAN  OR  GORDON  SETTER. 

The  black-tan  setter,  until  the  institution  of  shows,  was  com- 
monly called  "Gordon,"  from  the  fact  that  the  Dukes  of  Gordon 
had  long  possessed  a  strain  of  setters  of  that  color,  which  had  ob- 
tained a  high  reputation.  At  the  first  dog  show  held  at  Newcastle 
in  June,  1859,  Mr.  Jobling's  (of  Morpeth)  black  and  tan  Dandy 
was  shown  with  success  in  an  open  class ;  and  in  November  of  the 
same  year  Mr.  Burdett's  Brougham  followed  suit  at  Birmingham, 


THE    RLACK-TAN    OR    GORDON    SETTER.  103 

In  1861  Mr.  Burdett's  Ned  (son  of  Brougham)  won  the  first  prize 
in  an  open  class  at  Birmingham,  after  which  a  special  class  was 
made  for  dogs  of  that  color  at  Birmingham,  London,  and  other 
large  shows,  the  breeders  of  English  dogs  fancying  that  the  beauti- 
ful color  of  the  "  Gordons  "  was  too  much  in  their  favor. 

But,  in  spite  of  the  above  successes,  it  cannot  be  denied  that  the 
general  opinion  of  good  sportsmen  in  the  south  has  not  been  in 
favor  of  the  breed  since  the  institution  of  field  trials,  in  which  it 
has  been  brought  into  competition  with  the  English  and  Irish  set- 
ter. Both  Rex  and  Young  Kent  had  shown  marvellous  powers  of 
scent,  but  exception  was  taken  to  their  tiring  action,  and  it  must 
be  admitted  that  six  hours'  work  was  enough  at  one  time  for  either 
of  them,  and  probably  too  much  for  Young  Kent.  Both  dogs  also 
were  headstrong,  and  required  severe  treatment  to  keep  them 
under  command,  and  though  neither  showed  the  slightest  disposi- 
tion to  unsteadiness  on  the  point,  yet  both  were  jealous  behind, 
and  it  was  difficult  to  make  them  work  to  hand.  Among  the  num- 
berless specimens  of  the  breed  (black-tan)  which  I  have  seen  at 
work,  not  one  has  shown  the  solicitude  to  catch  the  eye  of  the 
shooter  which  is  so  essential  to  the  perfect  correspondence  of  man 
and  dog  which  ensures  sport.  The  pointer  or  setter  ought  always 
to  know  where  his  master  is,  and  if  put  into  high  cov^ert,  such  as 
beans,  should  raise  his  head  at  short  intervals  above  them  to  ascer- 
tain his  whereabouts.  Now,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  black- 
tan  setters,  and  notably  the  Kents,  never  do  this,  and  cannot  be 
taken  off  a  scent  without  very  great  severity,  until  they  have  satis- 
fied themselves  of  its  fallacy. 

The  points  of  the  black-tan  setter  are  very  nearly  the  same  as 
those  of  the  English  dog,  the  only  deviations  being  as  follows : 

1.  The  skull  is  usually  a  little  heavier  than  that  of  the  English 
setter,  but  in  other  respects  it  resembles  it. 

2.  The  nose,  also,  is  like  the  English  setters ;  but  it  is  usually  a 
trifle  wider. 

9.  The  flag  is  usually  a  trifle  shorter  than  that  of  the  English 
setter,  which  it  otherwise  resembles  in  shape. 
11.  The  coat  is  generally  harder  and  coarser  than  that  of  the 


J04  DOMESTICATED  DOGS  FOB  THE  GtTN. 

English  or  Irish  setter,  occasionally  with  a  strong  disposition  to 
curl,  as  in  the  celebrated  champions  Reuben  and  Regent. 

12.  The  color  is  much  insisted  on.  The  black  should  be  rich, 
•without  mixture  with  the  tan,  and  the  latter  should  be  a  deep  ma- 
hogany red  without  any  tendency  to  fawn.  It  is  admitted  that  the 
original  Gordons  were  often  black,  tan,  and  white ;  but,  as  in  all 
our  shows  the  classes  are  limited  to  black-tan ;  the  long  arguments 
which  have  been  adduced  on  that  score  are  now  obsolete.  A  little 
white  on  the  chest,  and  a  white  toe  or  two,  are  not  objected  to; 
but  a  decided  frill  is  considered  by  most  judges  to  be  a  blemish. 
The  red  tan  should  be  shown  on  lips,  cheeks,  throat,  spot  over  the 
eyes,  fore  legs  nearly  to  the  elbows,  hind  legs  up  to  stifles,  and  on 
the  under  side  of  the  flag,  but  not  running  into  its  long  hair. 

I  have  selected  Mr.  Coath's  Lang  to  illustratev  this  breed,  and 
the  engraving,  page  93,  is  a  wonderful  likeness  of  this  elegant  dog. 
On  the  show  bench  he  has  been  very  successful  since  the  retire- 
ment of  his  sire  Reuben  from  old  age,  having  won  first  and  cham- 
pion prizes  at  Glasgow,  Edinburgh,  Crystal  Palace  (twice),  Bir- 
mingham (thrice),  and  Alexandra  Palace.  At  the  Shrewsbury 
field  trials  of  1872  and  1873,  he  was  entered,  and  showed  great 
pace  and  a  fine  style  of  going ;  but  in  the  former  year  his  pace  was 
too  great  for  the  absence  of  scent  and  covert  which  prevailed 
there,  and  he  was  put  out  by  Mr.  Armstrong's  Don,  in  one  of 
those  unsatisfactory  trials  to  which  owners  of  dogs  have  so  often 
been  reduced  there.  In  the  next  year  he  showed  well  at  first  with 
Mr.  Barclay  Field's  Rake,  but  was  put  out  from  chasing  fur.  At 
the  same  meeting  he  was  bracketed  with  Mr.  Macdona's  Ranger  in 
the  braces,  but  not  being  quite  steady  behind,  they  were  beaten  by 
Mr.  Barclay  Field's  Bruce  and  Rose.  He  is  a  fine  slashing  dog,  of 
good  size,  possessing  plenty  of  bone  without  lumber,  and  excellent 
legs  and  feet.  His  pedigree  is  an  excellent  one,  being  as  follows : 


I  Milo  (Malcolm's J  Dandy  (Jobling's) 

Reuben . . . .  J  I- 


Lang  (Mr.  Coath'e) 


(Ruin  (Lord  Rosslyn'sjg™^ 


Mona .. 


[Suwarrow  (Birch's). , 


I  Bounce  .. 


(Pedigree  unknown. 
From  Dnke  of  Buo 
cleuirh's  Kennels) 

Kent  (Pearce's) 

Old  Moll,  by  Job- 
ling's  Dandy. 


TUB    IRISH    SETTER.  105 

It  will  be  seen  that  he  goes  back  to  Jobling's  Dandy,  on  the  side 
of  both  sire  and  dam. 

The  black  and  tan  setter  crosses  well  with  the  Irish,  and  Mr. 
Baiter  possesses  an  excellent  specimen  of  the  cross  in  his  Young 
Rex,  winner  of  the  first  prize  at  Brighton  in  the  black  and  tan 
class  in  1876.  This  dog  is  by  Rex  (son  of  Kent  and  Regent),  out 
of  Sal,  a  well-bred  bitch  descended  from  Major  Hutchinson's  Bob, 
and  is  a  good  looking  dog,  as  well  as  a  fine  mover.  Mr.  Purcell 
Llewellyn  has  also  crossed  the  Laveracks  with  it,  the  result,  in 
1872,  being  a  very  beautiful  orange  Belton  bitch.  Flame,  out  of 
Carrie,  who  was  by  Pilkington's  Dash,  out  of  a  daughter  of  Hutch- 
inson's Bob  (winner  of  the  champion  prize  at  the  Crystal  Palace, 
in  1875) ;  and  also  a  1st  prize  winner  at  the  Crystal  Palace  in  1872, 
and  a  2nd  at  Birmingham  in  the  same  year. 


THE    IRISH   SETTER. 

This  breed  has  long  been  known  to  sportsmen  throughout  Great 
Britain  as  a  good  one,  especially  in  point  of  stamina,  and  a  class 
was  set  apart  for  it  at  Birmingham  in  1860,  a  year  before  the  black 
and  tans  were  similarly  favored. 

There  is  no  reason  to  suppose  that  any  improvement  had  taken 
place  in  this  breed  in  its  native  country  until  very  recently,  when 
the  institution  of  local  shows  seems  to  have  stimulated  Irish  breed- 
ers to  fresh  exertions ;  but  in  the  exhibits  which  have  been  made 
in  the  English  shows  the  chain  of  progress  has  been  unbroken 
from  Carlo  to  Dash  and  Palmerston.  In  the  field  trials,  the  Rev. 
J.  C.  Macdona  has  raised  its  character  by  producing  his  Plnnket  at 
Shrewsbury  in  1870,  after  which  he  was  sold  to  Mr.  Purcell  Llew- 
ellyn, and  took  prizes  at  Vaynol,  Southampton,  and  Shrewsbury. 
This  dog  was  very  small  and  bitch-like  in  appearance,  and  rather 
light  in  color,  but  his  pace  was  very  great,  though  not  perhaps  quite 
equal  to  that  of  the  L^vcric'v  Countess,  while  his  style  of  going 
and  his  attitude  on  the  point  were  far  superior  to  hers.  He  wag 


10G  DOMESTICATED    DOGS    FOR   THE    GUN. 

bred  by  the  Hon.  D.  Plunket,  and  combines  the  blood  of  that  gen- 
tleman's kennel  with  the  La  Touche  and  Hutchinson  strains.  Mr. 
Purcell  Llewellyn  purchased  him  in  the  hight  of  his  successes,  and 
bred  several  average  dogs  from  him  out  of  Kate  (of  the  Knight  of 
Kerry's  strain),  including  Kimo,  Kite,  and  Kitty ;  while  another 
!itter,  out  of  Buckell's  Min,  contained  Marvel,  May,  and  Knowing, 
less  successful  than  the  former,  both  on  the  bench  and  in  the  field. 
With  the  solitary  exception  of  Plunket  and  his  daughter  Music, 
who  was  at  Vaynol  in  1872,  however,  no  Irish  setter  has  shown  any- 
thing like  high  form  in  the  f.eld  trials,  Mr.  Purcell  Llewellyn's 
Samson,  who  is  above  the  average,  being  crossed  with  the  Laver- 
ftck  Prince  through  his  dam,  Carrie,  through  both  are  entered  in 
the  Stud  Book  as  Irish  setters. 

After  a  great  deal  of  discussion,  a  separate  class  has  been  made 
in  Dublin  and  elsewhere  for  "reds"  and  "  white  and  reds,"  it  be- 
ing shown  that  there  are  two  distinct  strains  of  the  Irish  setter, 
of  these  colors  respectively.  The  white  and  reds  stands  no 
chance  in  the  open  classes,  and  yet  it  was  considered  hard  to  debar 
them  from  all  prizes,  especially  as  by  some  good  judges  they  are 
thought  to  possess  better  noses  than  the  reds.  According  to  my 
judgment  the  rich  red,  or  blood  red  color  as  it  is  described,  is  made 
a  little  too  much  of,  and  I  shouii/  strongly  object  to  the  passing 
over  of  excellence  in  shape  because  the  color  is  too  pale ;  a  marked 
instance  of  which  happened  at  the  Brighton  show  of  1876. 

In  points  the  Irish  setter  only  differs  from  the  English  in  the  fol- 
lowing: « 

t.  The  skull  is  somewhat  longer  and  narrower,  the  eyebrows 
being  well  raised,  and  the  occipital  prominence  as  marked  as 
m  the  pointer. 

2.  The  nose  is  a  trifle  longer,  with  good  width,  and  square  at  the 
end :  nostrils  wide  and  open,  with  the  nose  itself  of  a  deep  mahog- 
any or  very  dark  fleshy-color,  not  pink  nor  black. 

3.  Eyes,  ears,  and  lips. — The  eyes  should  be  a  rich  brown  or  ma- 
hogany color,  well  set,  and  full  of  intelligence ;  a  pale  or  goose- 
berry eye  is  to  be  avoided.     Ears  long  enough  to  reach  within 
half  an  inch  or  an  inch  of  the  end  of  the  nose,  and,  though  more 


THE    IRISH    SETTER.  10? 

tapering  than  in  the  English  dog,  never  coming  to  a  point ;  they 
should  be  set  low  and  close,  but  well  back,  and  not  approaching  to 
the  hound's  in  setting  and  leather.  Whiskers  red  ;  lips  deep,  but 
not  pendulous. 

5  and  6.  In  frame  the  Irish  clog  is  higher  on  the  leg  than  either 
the  English  or  black  and  tan,  but  his  elbows  are  well  let  down 
nevertheless;  his  shoulders  arc  long  and  sloping;  brisket  deep, 
but  never  wide;  and  his  back  ribs  are  somewhat  shorter  than 
those  of  his  English  brethern.  Loin  good,  slightly  arched,  and 
well  coupled  to  his  hips,  but  not  very  wide;  quarters  slightly 
sloping,  and  flag  set  on  rather  low,  but  straight,  fine  in  bone,  and 
beautifully  carried.  Breeders  are,  however,  going  for  straight 
backs  like  that  of  Palmerston,  with  flags  set  on  as  high  as  in  the 
English  setter. 

7.  Legs  very  straight,  with  good  hocks,  well-bent  stifles,  and 
muscular  but  not  heavy  haunches. 

8.  The  feet  are  hare-like,  and  moderately  hairy  between  the  toes. 

9.  The  flag  is  clothed  with  a  long,  straight  comb  of  hair,  never 
bushy  or  curly,  and  this  is  beautifully  displayed  on  the  point. 

11.  The  coat  should  be  somewhat  coarser  than  that  of  the  English 
setter,  being  midway  between  that  and  the  black  and  tan,  wavy 
but  not  curly,  and  by  no  means  long.      Both  hind  and  fore  legs 
are  well  feathered,  but  not  profusely,  and  the  ears  are  furnishei 
with  feather  to  the  same  extent,  with  a  slight  wave,  but  no  curl. 

12.  The  color  should  be  a  rich  blood  red,  without  any  trace  of 
black  on  the  ears  or  along  the  back ;  in  many  of  the  best  strains, 
however,  a  pale  color  or  an  occasional  tinge  of  black  is  shown.    A 
little  white  on  the  neck,  breast,  or  toes,  is  by  no  means  objection- 
able, and  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  preponderance  of  white,  so  as 
to  constitute  what  is  called  "  white  and  red,"  is  met  with  in  some 
good  strains. 

In  his  work  the  Irish  setter  is  fast  and  enduring;  his  nose  is 
quite  up  to  the  average  of  fast  dogs  in  delicacy,  and  to  those  who 
are  limited  to  a  small  kennel  he  is  an  invaluable  aid  to  the  gun. 
His  style  of  going  is  very  beautiful,  with  head  well  up  and  feeling 
for  the  body  scent;  he  has  a  free  action  of  the  shoulders,  hind  legs 


108  DOMESTICATED   DOGS   FOR  THE   GtJN. 

brought  well  under  him,  and  a  merry  lashing  of  the  flag  on  the 
slightest  indication  of  scent — often,  indeed,  without  it.  His  ad- 
vocates contend  that  he  is  as  steady  as  any  other  setter  when  once 
broken,  but,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  I  scarcely  think  this 
position  can  be  maintained.  Neither  Plunket,  nor  any  that  I  have 
seen  of  Mr.  Purcell  Llewellyn's  breeding,  nor  indeed  any  of  those 
which  I  have  had  out  in  private,  have  been  always  reliable,  and  I 
fear  that,  like  almost  all  other  setters  of  such  high  courage,  it  must 
be  admitted  that  he  requires  work  to  keep  him  in  a  state  of  control 
fit  for  immediate  use  with  the  gun.  In  this  respect,  and  indeed  in 
delicacy  of  nose,  both  the  English  and  Irish  setter  must  yield  to 
the  black  and  tan  of  the  best  strains  ;  but  to  do  the  same 
amount  of  work,  at  least  a  double  team  of  the  last  mentioned 
must  be  kept. 

Having  been  charged,  by  Mr.  Adcock,  in  the  case  of  the  bulldog, 
with  selecting  inferior  specimens  for  illustration,  it  is  perhaps 
necessary  that  I  should  explain  my  reasons  for  choosing  a  dog 
without  any  public  reputation  to  represent  the  Irish  setter  in  pref- 
erence to  Mr.  Hilliard's  Palmerston,  who  has  taken  all  the  chief 
prizes  since  the  last  appearance  of  Dr.  Stone's  Dash  at  the  Crystal 
Palace  in  1875.  As  remarked  above,  no  strain  but  that  of  the 
Hon.  D.  Plunket  has  been  tried  in  the  field  ;  and,  as  that  has  done 
great  credit  to  the  breed  in  the  shape  of  Mr.  Macdona's  (afterwards 
Mr.  Llewellyn's)  Plunket,*  his  daughter  Music,  and  his  sons  Marvel 
and  Kite,  I  prefer  a  portrait  of  one  of  this  tried  strain  to  that  of 
any  dog  not  similarly  tested.  Both  Plunket  and  his  daughter 
Music  were  too  small  to  serve  as  a  type,  while  Kite  and  Marvel 
have  faults  which  render  them  equally  unfit  for  that  purpose. 
Fortunately,  however,  I  have  been  able  to  meet  with  a  grand 
specimen  of  the  breed  iri  Rover,  an  own  brother  to  Plunket,  which 
Mr.  Macdona  has  recently  obtained  from  Ireland,  and  which 
has  never  yet  been  shown.  The  faithful  portrait  of  this  dog  pre- 
sented on  page  109  speaks  for  itself  as  to  his  external  shape ;  but  for 
his  performances  it  is  necessary  to  look  to  his  brother  Plunket, 

*  Plunket  was  purchased  by  Mr.  Llewdlyn  from  Mr.  Macdona  for  $750,  and  J9 
now  in  the  possession  of  W.  J.  Farrar,  of  Toledo,  Ohio. 


THE   FIELD    SPANIEL.  Ill 

except  that  I  have  ascertained  on  good  evidence  that  in  private  he 
has  been  tried  to  be  first  class.  In  color  he  is  of  a  beautiful  rich 
red  with  scarcely  any  white  ;  while  he  possesses  a  frame  of  great 
size,  symmetry,  and  substance,  with  good  legs  and  feet. 


THE  FIELD  SPANIEL. 

The  field  Spaniel  is  distinguished  from  the  toy  dog  by  his  propen- 
sity to  hunt  game,  and  by  his  size  and  strength,  which  are  suffi- 
cient to  enable  him  to  stand  the  work  which  is  required  in  making 
his  way  through  the  briars  and  thorns  of  a  thick  covert,  where  he 
is  chiefly  employed.  Although  not  used  for  water,  where  the 
water  spaniel  is  pre-eminent,  his  coat  must  be  of  such  a  thick 
nature  as  to  bear  long  continued  wet,  inasmuch  as  he  is  generally 
soaked  with  it,  either  from  the  snow  on  the  briars,  or  from  mois- 
ture hanging  to  them  in  drops,  caused  either  by  rain  or  dew.  Har- 
dihood, therefore,  is  essential,  and  though  a  little  dog  may  possess 
it,  there  are  few  instances  of  anything  under  12  or  14  pounds  being 
able  to  stand  the  wet  and  labor  of  a  day's  covert  shooting.  The 
nose  of  the  spaniel  must  be  exquisite,  or  he  will  be  unfit  to  per- 
form his  duties,  which  require  him  to  follow  out  the  pheasant, 
woodcock,  or  hare,  to  the  well-concealed  retreat  in  or  under  a  thick 
bush,  which  either  of  them  may  have  chosen.  A  good  and  some- 
what musical  tongue  was,  by  the  old  school  of  sportsmen,  consid- 
ered a  desideratum,  in  order  not  only  to  give  notice  that  the  dog  is 
on  game,  but  also  the  particular  kind  which  he  is  "  questing,"  and 
which  many  good  spaniels  enable  their  masters  to  distinguish  by  a 
variation  in  their  notes.  Formerly  this  was  thought  so  important, 
that  if  a  spaniel  happened  to  be  mute,  he  was  hunted  with  a  bell 
round  his  neck,  as  is  sometimes  done  with  the  setter  when  used  in 
covert.  In  the  present  day,  a  very  fashionable  breed  (the  Clumber) 
is  invariably  mute ;  but  as  these  dogs  are  chiefly  used  in  aid  of  the 
battue,  there  is  not  the  same  necessity  for  them  to  give  notice  of 
their  approach,  as  in  the  case  of  spaniels  used  either  in  wild-phea- 
*ant  shooting,  or  for  cocks,  hares,  or  rabbits.  It  will  therefore  ap 


112  DOMESTICATED    DOGS    FOR   THE    GUN. 

pear,  that,  for  every  kind  of  covert  shooting  but  the  battue,  we  re- 
quire a  strong  useful  spaniel,  capable  of  bearing  exposure  to  the 
weather,  and  neither  too  large  for  the  runs,  nor  too  small  to  bear 
work.  Added  to  these  qualities,  we  want  an  exquisite  nose,  and  a 
musical  but  not  noisy  tongue,  which  is  all  the  more  valuable  if  it 
will  distinguish  by  its  note  the  various  kinds  of  game.  These  dogs 
must  also  be  readily  kept  under  command,  and  must  not  be  inclined 
to  hunt  far  away  from  the  shooter,  or  so  fast  as  to  prevent  his  fol- 
lowing them.  For  various  purposes  a  vast  number  of  breeds  have 
been  established,  more  or  less  resembling  each  other,  and  a  good 
many  of  them  being  now  extinct,  in  consequence  of  the  diminish- 
ed demand  for  their  services  since  the  introduction  of  battues  and 
their  attendant  preserves,  by  which,  as  a  matter  of  course,  wild 
covert  shooting  is  rendered  much  more  scarce.  All  the  spaniels 
have  a  marked  down  carriage  of  their  tails,  which  they  work  rapid- 
ly when  on  game,  but  should  never  raise  above  the  level  of  their 
backs.  All  these  various  breeds  may$  however,  be  arranged  under 
two  leading  divisions ;  one  known  as  the  "  Springer,"  and  includ- 
ing the  Sussex,  Clumber,  and  Norfolk  Spaniels,  besides  several 
others  confined  to  their  respective  localities ;  and  the  other  called 
"the  Cocker,"  from  his  being  chiefly  used  for  woodcocks,  though 
also  good  for  general  purposes.  The  King  Charles  and  Blenheim 
originally  belonged  to  the  second  division,  but  they  are  now  kept 
and  bred  for  toy  purposes  only. 

The  Springer  has  a  most  tender  and  discriminating  nose,  is  veiy 
tractable,  and  therefore  easily  kept  in  command.  As  has  been 
already  remarked,  some  are  mute  (as  the  Clumber),  while  others 
throw  their  tongues,  as,  for  instance,  the  S;ssex  and  the  Norfolk, 
All  the  springers  are  heavy  and  slow  as  compared  with  the  cock- 
ers, and  most  of  them  soon  tire,  three  or  four  hours'  work  being 
about  a  good  average  day's  work.  Hence,  they  are  scarcely  adapt- 
ed for  beating  large  and  wild  woodlands,  and  for  this  reason  they 
are  seldom  used  for  cock-shooting  excepting  in  small  coverts 
frequented  by  this  bird,  and  highly  valued  by  the  sportsman. 

The  Clumber  Spaniel,  which  for  a  long  time  was  confined  to  the 
Newcastle  family,  but  has  lately  become  very  fashionable,  is  a  re- 


THE    FIELD    SPANIEL. 


113 


markably  long,  low,  and  somewhat  heavy  dog.  In  weight  he  is 
from  30  to  40  Ibs.  Hight  18  to  20  inches.  The  head  is  heavy, 
wide,  and  full,  the  muzzle  broad  and  square,  generally  of  a  flesh 
color.  Nostrils  open,  and  chops  full  and  somewhat  pendent.  Ears 
long,  and  clothed  with  wavy  hair,  not  too  thick.  Body  very  long 
and  strong,  the  back  ribs  being  very  deep,  and  the  chest  being  very 
round  and  barrel-like,  the  ribs  at  the  same  time  being  so  widely 


Fig.    18. — CLUMBER   SPANIEL,   BRUCE. 


separated  from  each  other,  as  to  make  the  interval  between  them 
and  the  hips  small  in  proportion  to  the  great  length.  Tail  bushy, 
but  not  at  all  woolly,  the  hair  being  waved  only,  not  curled.  It  is 
generally  cropped.  Shoulders  rather  heavy  and  wide  apart,  arms 
short  but  strong,  elbows  not  very  well  let  down,  fore  arms  strong, 
with  plenty  of  bone,  good  knees,  and  strong  useful  round  feet,  but 
not  very  well  up  in  the  knuckles.  The  legs  should  be  well  feath- 
ered, and  the  feet  hairy.  The  hind  legs  are  rather  straight,  and 
should,  like  the  fore  legs,  be  short,  so  that  the  dog  altogether  has 
rather  a  weasely  appearance,  but  the  body  being  considerably 


114  DOMESTICATED   DOGS    FOR   THE   GUN. 

stouter  in  proportion  than  that  animal's.  The  coat  is  very  thick, 
but  should  be  silky  and  wavy,  not  curled,  except  in  the  feather- 
ings, which  are  long  and  well  marked.  Color,  yellow  and  white, 
or,  as  is  most  highly  prized,  lemon  and  white.  This  dog  is  almost 
invariably  mute.  The  portrait  given  of  Mr.  R.  J.  LI.  Price's  Bruce 
may  be  regarded  as  a  good  type  of  the  breed. 

The  Sussex  Spaniel  differs  from  the  Clumber  in  shape  and  color, 
as  well  as  in  his  "questing,"  his  note  being  full  and  bell-like, 
though  sharp.  In  hight  and  weight  there  is  not  much  difference, 


Fig.   19.— SUSSEX  SPANIEL,   GEORGE. 

nor  is  the  general  character  of  the  head  very  distinguishable  from 
that  of  the  Clumber;  but  in  length  he  is  not  nearly  so  remarkable 
as  that  dog,  though  still  long  and  low,  the  body  being  very  round 
and  full,  indicating  great  power.  The  coat  also  is  pretty  nearly 
the  same  in  quality,  being  soft  and  silky,  though  thick  and  free 
from  distinct  curls;  and  this  dog  is  also  beautifully  feathered 
The  head  is  not  quite  so  heavy  about  the  muzzle,  but  very  square 
above  the  eyes,  and  with  an  expression  of  exceeding  gravity  and 


THE    FIELD    SPANIEL. 


115 


intelligence.  The  ears  are  full  in  length,  lobe-shaped,  but  not  very 
thickly  covered  with  hair.  Muzzle  broad,  with  the  under  jaw  re- 
ceding more  than  in  the  Clumber,  and  the  point  of  the  nose  of  a 
liver-color.  The  whole  body  is  also  of  a  decided  liver-color,  but 
with  rather  a  golden  shade,  not  so  puce  as  that  of  the  Welsh  or 
Devonshire  cockers,  or  the  Irish  water  spaniel.  Legs  and  feet  very 
strong,  and  well  feathered.  Tail  generally  cropped,  and  well 
clothed  with  wavy  hair.  The  bitches  are  usually  smaller  than  the 
dogs.  All  of  this  breed  throw  their  tongues,  and  when  kept  to 


Fig.   30. — COCKER  SPANIEL,   BRUSH. 


cocks  or  pheasants,  they  readily  indicate  their  scent  by  a  sharper 
note  than  usual.  The  portrait  given  as  a  specimen  of  the  breed 
was  bred  by  the  late  A.  E.  Fuller,  of  Rose  Hill,  Sussex,  England. 

The  Cocker  can  scarcely  be  minutely  described,  inasmuch  as  there 
are  so  many  varieties  in  different  parts  of  Great  Britain.  He  may, 
however,  be  said,  in  general  terms,  to  be  a  light,  active  spaniel,  of 
about  14  Ibs.  weight  on  the  average,  sometimes  reaching  20  Ibs., 
trith  very  elegant  shapes,  and  %  lively  and  spirited  carriage.  In 


116  DOMESTICATED    DOGS    FOR   THE    GUN. 

hunting  he  keeps  his  tail  down,  like  the  rest  of  his  kind,  and 
works  it  constantly  in  a  most  rapid  and  merry  way,  from  which 
alone  he  may  be  known  from  the  springer,  who  also  works  his, 
but  solemnly  and  deliberately,  and  apparently  without  the  same 
pleasurable  sensations  which  are  displayed  by  the  cocker.  The 
head  is  round  and  the  forehead  raised  ;  muzzle  more  pointed  t^ui 
tac  springer,  and  the  car  less  heavy,  but  of  good  length,  and  well 
clothed  with  soft  wavy  hair,  which  should  not  be  matted  in  a 
heavy  mass.  Tiie  eye  is  of  medium  size,  slightly  inclined  to  water, 
bat  not  to  weep  like  the  toy  dog's;  body  of  medium  length,  and 
the  shape  generally  resembling  that  of  a  small  setter.  It  has  long 
been  the  custom  to  crop  the  tail  nearly  half  off,  so  as  to  prevent 
the  constant  wearing  of  it  against  the  bushes,  as  the  dog  works 
his  way  through  them.  If  left  on,  it  is  nearly  as  long  in  propor- 
tion as  that  of  the  setter,  but  more  bushy,  and  not  so  closely  re- 
sembling a  fan.  These  dogs  are  well  feathered,  and  the  work  for 
their  feet  and  legs  requires  them  to  be  strong  and  well  formed. 
The  coat  should  be  thick  and  wavy,  but  not  absolutely  curled, 
which  last  shows  the  cross  with  the  water  spaniel,  and  that  gives 
too  much  obstinacy  with  it  to  conduce  to  success  in  covert  shoot- 
ing. The  color  varies  from  a  plaitf  liver  or  black  to  black  and  tan, 
white  and  black,  white  and  liver,  white  and  red,  or  white  and 
lemon ;  and  different  breeds  are  noted  as  possessing  some  one  of 
these  in  particular,  but  I  am  not  aware  that  any  one  is  remarkable 
as  belonging  to  a  superior  race. 

The  title  u  cocker"  includes  every  kind  of  field  spaniel  except  the 
Sussex  and  Clumber,  and  it  is  therefore  necessary  to  allude  to  the 
Norfolk  Spaniel  as  well  as  to  the  Welsh  and  Devon  Cocker.  The 
Norfolk  spaniel  is  still  to  be  found  scattered  throughout  the  coun- 
try, and  is  generally  of  a  liver  and  white  color,  sometimes  black 
and  white,  and  rarely  lemon  and  white;  usually  a  good  deal 
ticked  with  color  in  the  white.  Higher  on  the  leg  than  the 
Clumber  or  the  Sussex,  he  is  generally  more  active  than  either, 
sometimes  almost  rivalling  the  setter  in  lightness  of  frame;  his 
ears  are  long,  tabular  and  heavily  feathered,  and  he  is  a  very  use- 
ful dog  when  thoroughly  broken,  but  he  is  apt  to  be  too  wild  in 


THE    FIELD    bPA.NlEL.  117 

his  behavior  and  too  wide  in  his  range  until  he  has  had  a  longer 
drill  than  most  sportsmen  can  afford,  and  in  retrieving  he  is  often 
hard  mouthed.  When  thoroughly  broken,  however,  he  is  an  ex- 
cellent aid  to  the  gun ;  but  he  is  so  intermixed  with  other  breeds, 
that  it  is  impossible  to  select  any  particular  specimen  as  the  true 
type.  With  regard  to  the  Welsh  and  Devon  cocker  of  former 
times,  they  are  now  scarcely  to  be  met  with  in  a  state  of  purity 
and  of  the  regulation  size  (20  Ibs.  to  25  Ibs.) ;  most  of  them  have 
been  crossed  with  the  springer,  or  by  improved  management  have 
been  raised  in  weight  to  30  Ibs.  at  the  least,  which  militates  against 
their  use  in  some  coverts ;  and  in  a  vast  majority  of  teams,  the 
modern  field  spaniel  must  be  regarded  as  more  like  the  springer 
than  the  cocker.  The  Welsh  and  Devon  cockers  are  both  liver- 
colored,  not  of  the  Sussex  golden  hue,  but  of  a  dead  true  liver 
color.  Their  ears  are  not  too  large  for  work,  and  on  the  show 
bench  would  by  many  judges  be  considered  too  small ;  but  they 
are  always  lobular,  without  the  slightest  tendency  to  a  vine  shape. 
Throughout  the  country  there  are  numberless  breeds  of  cockers  of 
all  colors,  varying  from  white,  black,  or  liver  to  red  and  white, 
lemon  and  white,  liver  and  white,  and  black  and  white.  Lady- 
bird is  nearly  all  red,  but  she  comes  of  strains  usually  all  liver  or 
all  black.  The  illustration  is  a  portrait  of  Mr.  W.  Gillett's  Brush, 
an  excellent  representative  dog. 

The  Blenheim  and  King  Charles'  Spaniels  will  be  described  under 
the  head  of  toy  dogs,  to  which  purpose  alone  are  they  really  suited, 
though  sometimes  used  in  covert  shooting. 


118 


DOMESTICATED   DOGS    FOR   THE    GUN. 


Fig.   21.— IRISH  WATER  SPANIEL,  RAKE. 


THE    WATER    SPANIEL. 

Water  Spaniels  are  commonly  said  to  have  web-feet,  aixd  ibis 
point  is  often  made  a  ground  of  distinction  from  other  dogs,  but 
the  fact  is  that  all  dogs  have  their  toes  united  by  membranes  in 
the  same  way,  the  only  distinction  between  the  water  and  land 
dogs  being  that  the  former  have  larger  feet,  and  that  the  membrane 
between  the  toes  being  more  lax,  they  spread  more  in  swimming, 
and  are  thus  more  useful  in  the  water.  Most  people  would  un- 
derstand, from  the  stress  laid  on  web-feet  in  the  water  dogs,  that 
the  toes  of  the  land  dogs  were  nearly  as  much  divided  as  those  of 
man,  but  there  are  none  so  formed,  and,  as  I  before  remarked,  the 
toes  of  all  are  united  throughout  by  a  strong  membrane.  The 
coat  in  all  the  water  dogs  is  woolly  and  thickly  matted,  often  curly, 
and  in  all  more  or  less  oily,  so  as  to  resist  the  action  of  the  water. 


THE    WATER    SPANIEL.  119 

This  oil  is  rank  in  smell,  and  hence  they  are  all  unfit  to  be  inmates 
of  our  houses,  which  is  a  strong  objection  even  to  the  poodle  as  a 
toy  dog.  As,  therefore,  we  have  no  ground  for  separating  the 
land  from  the  water  dogs  by  this  strong  line,  I  have  not  attempted 
to  do  so,  but  have  grouped  them  according  to  the  divisions  under 
which  they  naturally  fall. 

The  Old  English  water  Spaniel  is  particularly  fond  of  the  water, 
and  will  enter  it  in  almost  all  weathers  by  choice,  while  it  never  is 
too  cold  for  him  when  any  game  is  on  it.  His  powers  of  swim- 
ming and  diving  are  immense,  and  he  will  continue  in  it  for  hours 
together,  after  which  he  gives  his  coat  a  shake  and  is  soon  dry. 
Indeed,  when  he  first  comes  out  he  does  not  seem  thoroughly  wet, 
his  oiled  and  woolly  coat  appearing  to  set  at  defiance  the  approach 
of  water.  His  nose  is  pretty  good,  and  he  is  capable  of  an  excel- 
lent education ;  but  it  takes  some  time  to  break  him  thoroughly, 
as  he  is  required  to  be  completely  under  command,  and  is  a  very 
restless  dog  by  nature,  whereas  his  duties  demand  perfect  silence. 
There  are  generally  said  to  be  two  distinct  breeds,  one  larger  than 
the  other,  but  in  other  respects  alike. 

His  points  are  as  follows : — Head  long  and  narrow,  eyes  small, 
and  ears  of  medium  length,  covered  with  thick  curly  hair.  Body 
stout,  but  elegantly  formed,  with  strong  loins,  and  round  barrel- 
like  chest,  which  is  broad  across  the  shoulders.  The  legs  are 
rather  long,  but  very  strong,  the  bone  being  of  great  size,  and  well 
clothed  with  muscle.  Feet  large  and  spreading,  tail  covered 
thickly  with  long  curly  hair,  and  slightly  curved  upwards,  but 
not  carried  above  the  level  of  the  back. 

The  Irish  water  Spaniel  consists  of  two  distinct  varieties,  peculiar 
to  the  north  and  south  of  Ireland.  The  northern  dog  has  short 
ears,  with  little  feather  either  on  them  or  on  the  logs,  but  with 
a  considerable  curl  in  his  coat.  In  color  he  is  generally  liver,  but 
with  more  or  less  white  which  sometimes  predominates,  so  as  to 
make  him  decidedly  white  and  liver.  The  south  country  Irish 
water  spaniel  is,  on  the  contrary,  invariably  of  a  puce  liver  color. 
Ears  long  and  well  feathered,  being  often  two  feet  from  point  to 
point,  and  the  whole  coat  consisting  of  short  crisp  curls.  Body 


120  DOMESTICATED    DOGS    FOB   THE    GUN. 

long, low,  and  strong,  tail  round  and  carried  slightly  down;  but 
straight,  without  any  approach  to  feather.  The  celebrated  breed 
known  as  "  McCarthy's"  is  thus  described  by  that  gentleman  in 
a  recent  communication.  , 

"The  present  improved  and  fancy  breed,  called  M'Carthy's 
breed,  should  run  thus : — Dog  from  21  to  22£  inches  high  (seldom 
higher  when  pure  bred),  head  rather  capacious,  forehead  promi- 
nent, face  from  eyes  down  perfectly  smooth,  ears  from  24  to  26 
inches  from  point  to  point.  The  head  should  be  crowned  with  a 
well-defined  top-knot,  not  straggling  across  like  the  common  rough 
water  dog,  but  coming  down  in  a  peak  on  the  forehead.  The  body 
should  be  covered  with  small  crisp  curls,  which  often  become  drag- 
gled in  the  moulting  season :  the  tail  should  be  round  without 
feather  underneath,  of  the  two  rather  short,  and  as  stiff  as  a  ram- 
rod ;  the  color  of  a  pure  puce  liver  without  any  white.  Though 
these  dogs  are  generally  of  very  high  mettle,  I  have  never  found 
them  intractable  or  difficult  to  be  trained ;  they  readily  keep  to  heel 
and  down-charge,  and  will  find  a  dea:l  or  wounded  bird  anywhere, 
either  in  the  open  or  in  covert,  but  they  are  not  partial  to  stiff 
thorny  brakes,  as  the  briers  catch  the  curl  and  trail  after  them. 
It  is  advisable  to  give  them  a  little  training  at  night,  so  that  in 
seeking  objects  they  must  rely  upon  the  nose  alone.  For  the  gun, 
they  should  be  taught  to  go  into  the  water  like  a  duck ;  but  when 
kept  for  fancy,  a  good  clog  of  this  breed  will  take  a  flying  jump  of 
from  25  to  35  feet,  or  more,  perpendicular  bight,  into  the  water. 
My  old  dog  Boatswain  lived  to  be  about  eighteen  years  oLl, 
when,  although  in  good  health  and  spirits,  I  was  obliged  to  destroy 
him.  When  going  abroad  in  1849,  for  some  years,  I  gave  my  breed 
to  Mr.  Jolliffe  Tuffncll,  of  Mount-street,  Merrion-square,  Dublin, 
son  of  the  late  Col.  Tuffn?ll,  of  Bath.  His  dog  Jack,  a  son  of  my 
dog  Boatswain,  is  known  particularly  as  a  sire,  to  every  one  in  Ire- 
land, and  to  very  many  in  England.  A  good  well-trained  dog  of 
this  breed  will  not  be  obtained  under  from  $50  to  $100,  and 
I  have  known  as  much  as  $200  or  $000  to  be  paid  for  one.  They 
will  not  stand  a  cross  with  any  other  breed ;  the  spaniel,  setter, 
Newfoundland  dog,  and  Labrador  dog,  etc.,  perfectly  destroy  coat, 


CHESAPEAKE   BAY  DOG. 


121 


ears,  tail,  and  symmetry ;  added  to  which,  the  cross-bred  dog  is 
rery  difficult  to  dry.  If  any  cross  would  answer,  I  should  say  the 
bloodhound.— J.  M'C." 

The  portrait  on  page  118  is  from  a  remarkably  good  photograph 
of  Mr.  Lindoe's  celebrated  Rake. 


Fig.  22. — CHESAPEAKE  BAT  DOG. 


CHESAPEAKE    BAY   DOG. 

The  earliest  accounts  that  we  have  of  the  above  mentioned  dog 
date  back  to  the  year  1807,  when  the  ship  "Canton,"  of  Balti- 
more, fell  in  at  sea  with  an  English  brig  in  a  sinking  condition, 
bound  from  Newfoundland  to  England.  The  crew  were  rescued 
and  taken  aboard  of  the  "  Canton,"  also  two  Newfoundland  pups, 
a  dog  and  bitch.  The  English  crew  were  landed  at  Norfolk,  and 
the  two  pups  purchased  from  the  English  captain  for  a  guinea 
apiece,  and  taken  to  Baltimore.  The  dog  pup,  called  "  Sailor," 


122  DOMESTICATED   DOGS   FOR  THE   GUK. 

was  given  to  Mr.  John  Mercer,  of  West  River ;  the  bitch  pup, 
named  "  Canton,"  to  Dr.  James  Stewart,  of  Sparrow  Point.  The 
dog  was  of  a  dingy-red  color,  and  the  bitch  black.  They  were  not 
large,  hair  short,  but  very  thick-coated,  attained  great  reputation 
as  water  dogs,  and  were  very  sagacious,  particularly  so  in  all 
duties  pertaining  to  duck  shooting.  Gov.  Lloyd,  for  a  valuable 
consideration,  succeeded  in  securing  the  dog,  and  took  him  to  his 
estate  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Maryland,  where  his  progeny  may 
still  be  known  as  the  Sailor  breed.  The  bitch  remained  at  Sparrow 
Point,  and  her  progeny  are  well  known  to  the  duck  shooters  of 
Patapsco  Neck,  Gunpowder,  etc. 

As  there  now  appears  to  be  three  types  of  this  dog,  the  members 
of  the  Maryland  Poultry  and  Fancier's  Association,  at  their  first 
show,  held  at  Baltimore,  January,  1877,  appointed  a  committee  to 
draw  up  a  standard  of  points  for  judging.  On  the  evening  of 
January  3,  1877,  they  met  the  members  of  the  club,  and  made 
their  report,  which  was  adopted.  The  committee  consisted  of  the 
following  gentlemen  (each  representing  their  respective  type):  Mr. 
John  Stewart,  representing  the  Otter  breed,  in  color  a  tawnj7  sedge, 
with  very  short  hair ;  Mr.  O.  D.  Foulks,  the  long-haired,  or  Red 
"Winchester,  and  Mr.  J.  J.  Turner,  Jr.,  the  curly-coated,  in  color  a 
red-brown— the  bitches  showing  the  color  and  approximating  to  the 
points  of  the  class  to  which  they  belong,  a  white  spot  on  the  breast 
in  either  class  not  being  unusual.  The  measurements  were  as 
follows  :  from  fore  toe  to  top  of  back,  25  inches ;  from  tip  of  nose 
to  base  of  head,  10  inches ;  girth  of  body  back  of  fore  leg,  33  inches; 
breast,  9  inches ;  around  fore  feet,  6  inches ;  around  fore  arm  be- 
low shoulder,  7  inches ;  between  eyes,  2£  inches ;  length  of  ears,  5 
inches;  from  base  of  head  to  root  of  tail,  35  inches  ;  tail,  16  inches 
in  length  ;  around  muzzle  below  the  eyes,  10  inches.  The  writer 
has  one  crossed  with  the  pure  Irish  Water  Spaniel,  which  cannot 
be  excelled  as  a  ducking  dog.  The  illustration  page  121  is  of  the 
dog  "Trip,"  owned  by  C.  H.  Tilghman,  of  Easton,  Md.,  and 
awarded  the  first  premium  at  the  Bench  Show  held  in  New 
York  in  1877. 


CHAPTER  V. 

PASTORAL   DOGS,  AND    THOSE  USED  FOR  THE  PUK 
POSES  OF  DRAUGHT. 

THE  ENGLISH  SHEEP-DOG. — THE  COLLET. — THE  GERMAN  SHEEP-DOG.— 
POMERANIAN  OR  SPITZ  DOG. — THE  NEWFOUNDLAND  AND  LABRADOR 
DOGS.— THE  ESQUIMAUX  DOG.— THE  GREENLAND  DOG. 

THE  ENGLISH  SHEEP-DOG. 

There  are  so  many  different  breeds  of  the  English  Sheep-dog  that 
it  is  difficult  to  describe  him.  He  has  a  sharp  muzzle,  medium- 
sized  head,  with  small  and  piercing  eyes ;  a  well-shaped  body, 
formed  after  the  model  of  a  strong  low  greyhound,  but  clothed  in 
thick  and  somewhat  woolly  hair,  which  is  particularly  strong  about 
the  neck  and  bosom.  The  tail  is  naturally  long  and  bushy,  but,  as 
it  has  almost  invariably  been  cut  off  until  of  late  years,  its  varia- 
tions can  hardly  be  known.  Under  the  old  excise  laws  the  shep- 
herd's dog  was  only  exempt  from  tax  when  without  a  tail,  and  for 
this  reason  it  was  always  removed ;  from  which  at  last  it  happened 
that  many  puppies  of  the  breed  were  born  without  any  tails,  and 
to  this  day  some  particular  breeds  are  tailless.  In  almost  all  sheep- 
dogs there  is  a  double  dew-claw  on  each  hind  leg,  and  very  often 
without  any  bony  attachment.  The  legs  and  feet  are  strong  and 
well  formed,  ami  stand  road- work  well,  and  the  untiring  nature  of 
the  dog  is  very  remarkable.  The  color  varies  greatly,  Mit  most  are 
grey,  or  black,  or  brown,  with  more  or  less  white. 

Such  is  the  true  ol  1  English  sheep-dog,  but  a  great  proportion 

of  those  in  actual  use  are  crossed  with  the  various  sporting  dogs, 

such  as  the  setter,  which  is  very  common,  or  the  pointer,  or  even 

the  hound ;  and  hence  we  so  often  find  the  sheep-dog  as  good  in 

123 


124  PASTORAL    DOGS,    ETC. 

hunting  game  as  in  his  more  regular  duties,  wliile  a  great  many 
are  used  as  regular  poaching  dogs  by  night,  and  in  retired  districts 
by  day  also. 


THE  COLLET. 

One  of  the  most  beautiful  and  useful  of  all  dogs  is  the  Scotch 
sheep-dog  or  colley,  excellent  engravings  of  which  .are  given,  pp. 
125-128.  With  a  fine  muzzle  he  combines  an  intelligent-looking 
and  rather  broad  head,  and  a  clear  but  mild  eye,  a  pricked  and 
small  ear  slightly  falling  at  the  tip.  His  body  is  elegantly  formed, 
and  clothed  with  a  thick  coat  of  woolly  hair,  which  stands  out 
evenly  from  his  sides  and  protects  him  from  all  the  vicissitudes  of 
the  weather,  neither  wind,  rain,  nor  snow  being  capable  of  pene- 
trating it.  The  legs  are  well  formed  and  the  feet  strong  and  use- 
ful. The  tail  is  long,  gently  curved,  and  bushy,  and  the  \\  hole 
outline  resembles  that  of  the  dingo ;  but  the  form  is  stouter  and 
the  limbs  stronger.  The  color  is  nearly  always  black  and  tan,  with 
little  or  no  white;  sometimes,  however,  the  whole  skin  is  of  one 
or  other  of  these  colors,  but  then  the  dog  is  not  considered  nearly 
so  valuable.  The  colley,  like  the  true  English  sheep-dog,  has 
always  one  or  two  dew-claws  on  each  hind  leg. 

A  great  deal  of  discussion  has  lately  taken  place  in  regard  to 
the  colley's  proper  color  and  general  appearance,  and  various  de- 
scriptions have  been  given  of  what  each  writer  considers  the 
genuine  breed,  differing  in  every  respect  but  the  one  to  which  I 
have  drawn  attention,  which  in  almost  all  cases  has  been  admitted 
to  be  essential.  Some  gentlemen,  however,  who  have  obtained 
specimens  with  beautiful  but  open  coats  of  a  glossy  black,  pointed 
with  tan,  have  contended  that  this  is  the  desideratum ;  and  so  it  is 
for  the  dog,  considered  simply  as  a  companion.  Hitherto,  how- 
ever, no  one  has  ventured  to  propound  the  theory  that  he  is  to  be 
so  regarded  ;  and,  until  I  find  that  a  separate  class  is  made  at  some 
one  or  more  of  our  important  shows  for  "  toy  colleys,"  I  must 


THE    COLLET.  127 

continue  to  describe  tho  breed  from  the  shepherd's  point  of  view, 
only — regarding  any  suspicion  of  a  setter  cross,  and  especially  if 
shown  in  coat,  as  injuring  his  value  f  jr  tae  reasons  before  given. 
Only  those  who  have  seen  one  or  more  of  the  public  sheep-dog 
trials  (instituted  about  four  years  ago  by  Mr.  Lloyd  Price,  and  many 
of  which  have  of  late  years  beon  held  in  Wales  as  well  as  in  Eng- 
land), or  have  privately  seen  these  animals  at  their  usual  work,  can 
realize  tlie  amount  of  intelligence  displayed  by  them.  In  these 
trials  the  slightest  sign  from  the  shepherd  is  understood  and 
obeyed,  and  even  the  exact  amount  of  driving  calculated  to  make 
the  sheep  go  quietly  forward  to  the  pea  without  breaking  away  is 
regulated  to  a  nicety. 

But,  irrespective  of  his  obedience  to  his  master's  orders,  the  in- 
dependent intelligence  of  the  colley  is  very  high,  and  it  is  interest- 
ing to  watcli  him  or  some  other  sheep-dog  manage  a  wild  sheep 
which  is  to  be  driven  against  his  will  in  a  certain  direction.  Very 
frequently  the  sheep  turns  round  and  stands  facing  the  dog,  and 
the  natural  expectation  on  the  part  of  a  spectator  is  that  the  latter 
will  try  by  barking  to  make  the  sheep  turn  round  and  progress 
somewhere.  Not  so,  however ;  such  a  proceeding  would  inevita- 
bly cause  a  "  break  away,"  and  the  course  pursued  is  to  lie  quietly 
down  and  face  the  sheep.  By  this  method  in  a  short  time  the  fac- 
ing is  changed  to  a  quiet  retreat,  or  sometimes  to  a  slight  backing, 
when  the  dog  quietly  moves  a  step  or  two  forward  and  again  lies 
down,  till  at  &&i  by  this  kind  of  coaxing,  the  weaker  animal  of 
the  two  is  quietly  managed.  In  such  cases  a  high  degree  of  intel- 
ligence and  tact  is  required  which  is  partly  innate  and  partly  ac- 
quired from  the  shepherd  by  education.  As  a  consequence  there 
must  be  a  due  development  of  brain  in  the  sheep-dog,,  and  there 
must  be  a  disposition  to  learn  and  obey  the  orders  given.  So 
clever  is  the  colley  that  he  will  not  be  imposed  on  for  any  purpose 
not  evidently  useful,  and  it  is  seldom  that  he  can  be  taught  to  exe- 
cute tricks  for  the  gratification  of  idle  spectators,  although  there  is 
no  difficulty  in  getting  him  to  perform  them  once  or  twice  to  please 
his  master.  If  exhibited  beyond  this  extent  he  is  apt  to  sulk  and 
refuse  to  show  off;  but  when  he  is  wanted  to  do  really  useful 


128 


PASTORAL    DOGS,    ETC. 


work,  such  as  is  required  for  the  shepherd's  purposes,  he  is  untir- 
ing, and  will  go  on  until  utterly  exhausted. 

No  other  dog  in  this  country  is  so  constantly  with  his  master  en- 
gaged in  his  proper  calling — taking  the  breed  as  a  whole.  Occa- 
sionally, it  is  true,  pet  dogs  are  as  much  so,  bat  by  no  means  uni- 
versally, n^r  are  they  even  then  so  frequently  employed  in  carry 
inj  oat  their  master's  orders.  This  naturally  increases  the  intelli 
gence  of  each  individual  and  reacts  oa  the  whole  bivcd;  so  that, 
independently  of  the  constantly  weeding  out  of  puppies  rendered 


Fig.  33.— SCOTCH  COLLET  DOG,   TOM  RIDLEY. 


useless  from  a  w^nt  of  intelligence,  the  superiority  of  the  whole 
variety  in  mental  attributes  is  easily  accounted  for.  For  the  same 
reason,  when  the  pet  colley  gets  old  and  is  submitted  to  the  rebuffs 
of  children  or  strangers,  he  is  apt  to  become  crusty  in  temper,  and 
sometimes  even  savage ;  but  he  is  always  most  affectionate  to  his 
master,  and  no  dog  seems  to  be  more  sincerely  repentant  when  he 
has  done  wrong. 

Within  the  last  ten  years  the  colley  has  become  very  fashionable 
as  a  pet,  and  his  market  price  has  risen  from  $15  to  $150,  or  even 


THE    COLLEY.  ~ 

more  for  animals  good-looking  enough  to  take  a  prize  &t  our  shows. 
For  this  kind  of  colley,  beauty  of  form  and  a  brilliant  black  coat 
are  the  chief  requisites,  and  these  are  greatly  aided  by  the  cross 
with  the  Gordon  setter;  thc.t  is  to  siy,  without  any  consideration 
fv>r  the  purposes  to  whic  >  J.N  dog  was  originally  bred,  and  is  still 
extensively  used.  The  pet  colley,  not  being  exposed  to  weather, 
is  quite  as  useful  to  his  master  with  an  open  setter  coat  and  feath- 
ered legs ;  while  regarded  from  an  artistic  point  of  view  he  is 
more  handsome  from  the  superior  brilliancy  of  his  color,  and  from 
tha  addition  of  feather.  His  ears,  when  thus  bred,  arc,  however, 
seldom  good,  being  neither  pricked  like  the  colley's,  nor  falling 
close  like  the  setter's ;  and  this  is  the  chief  objection  to  the  cross 
from  the  pet  elog  point  of  view,  though  no  eloubt  it  is  and  has  been 
easily  bred  out  by  careful  selection.  Moreover,  if  a  pet  is  wanted 
solely  as  such,  the  Gordon  setter  in  his  purity  is  a  hanelsomer  dog 
than  the  colley,  with  a  more  pettable  disposition,  and  it  would  be 
better  to  select  him  accordingly. 

In  Scotland  and  the  north  of  England,  as  well  as  in  Wales,  a 
great  variety  of  breeds  is  used  for  tending  sheep,  depending 
greatly  on  the  locality  in  which  they  are  employed,  and  on  the 
kind  of  sheep  adopted  in  it.  The  Welsh  sheep  is  so  wild  that  he 
requires  a  faster  dog  than  even  the  Highlander  of  Scotland,  while 
in  the  lowlands  of  the  latter  country  a  heavier,  tamer,  and  slower 
sheep  is  generally  introduced.  Hence  it  follows  that  a  different 
dog  is  required  to  adapt  itself  to  these  varying  c  rcumstances,  and 
it  is  no  wonder  that  the  strains  are  as  numerous  as  they  are.  In 
Wales  there  is  certainly,  so  far  as  I  know,  no  special  breed  of 
sheep-dog,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  north  of  England, 
where,  however,  the  colley  (often  improperly  called  Scotch),  more 
or  less  pure,  is  employed  by  nearly  half  the  shepherds  of  that  dis- 
trict, the  remainder  resembling  the  type  known  by  that  name  hi 
many  respects,  but  not  all.  For  instance,  some  show  a  total 
absence  of  "ruff"  or  "frill  ;"  others  have  an  open  coat  of  a  pied 
black  and  white  color,  with  a  setter  shaped  body ;  while  others, 
again,  resemble  the  ordinary  drover's  dog  in  all  respects.  But, 
without  doubt,  the  modern  "  true  and  accepted  "  colley  has  been 


130 


PASTORAL    DOGS,    ETC. 


in  existence  for  at  least  thirty  years,  as  proved  by  the  engraving 
published  in  Youatt's  bo  >k  on  "  The  Dog,"  nearly  thirty  years  ago, 
which,  by  permission  of  his  publisher,  was  accepted  by  me  as  the 
proper  type  in  1859,  in  my  first  treatise  on  the  varieties  of  the 
canine  race.  That  f?r**ait  was,  I  believe,  copied  from  a  specimen 
in  the  gardens  of  ti.e  Zoological  Society,  which  for  some  years 
after  its  formation  possessed  a  most  interesting  collection  of  dogs, 
now  unfortunately  abandoned.  The  engraving  given  on  page  99 
represents  some  specimens  of  good  American  bred  Colleys ;  that 
on  page  128  is  a  portrait  of  Tom  Ridley,  the  first  prize  dog  at  the 
N.  Y.  Bench  Show,  1877,  and  owned  by  Mr.  F.  Bronson,  of  New 
York  City. 


THE  GERMAN  SHEEP-DOG 

Is  a  small-sized  dog,  with  bushy  tail  carried  over  the  back,  small 
muzzle,  and  shaggy  coat,  which  is  generally  black  or  light  fawn. 
His  manner  is  brisk  and  affectionate,  and  his  tractability  is  great, 
so  that  he  is  most  useful  in  his  vocation,  and  as  a  companionable 
dog  is  not  excelled. 


THE    PoMEIiANiAN    OK    SPITZ   DOG. 


131 


Fig.  34.— A  SPITZ  DOG. 


THE  POMERANIAN  OR  SPITZ-DOG. 

Within  the  last  twenty  years  this  dog  has  been  largely  imported 
from  Germany  and  France  into  England,  in  addition  to  those  bred 
in  that  country ;  but,  nevertheless,  he  has  not  become  so  general  a 
favorite  as  was  expected,  owing  in  some  measure  to  the  fashion  of 
the  day  tending  towards  the  fox  terrier  and  colley,  and  also  to  the 
temper  of  the  Spitz,  which  is  too  short  and  snappish  to  make  him 
fit  to  be  trusted  with  children.  It  is  true  that  the  colley  has  the 
same  disposition,  but  not  quite  to  the  same  extent ;  and,  being  a 
better  traveller  with  horses  and  carriages,  he  is  more  suited  to  act 
as  a  companion  in  country  rides  and  drives  than  his  more  deli- 
cate rival. 

In  his  native  country,  the  Pomeranian  dog  is  employed  as  a 


132  PASTORAL   DOGS,   ETC. 

sheep-dog,  for  which  he  is  fitted  by  his  peculiarly  woolly  coat  and 
ample  frill,  rendering  him  to  a  great  degree  proof  against  wet  and 
cold.  Like  the  colley,  he  is  impatient  of  control  in  playing  tricks, 
and,  indeed,  can  seldom  be  taught  to  display  them  even  for  a 
time,  his  intelligence  not  being  of  a  very  high  order — at  all  events, 
if  the  attempt  is  made  in  any  direction  but  that  of  his  peculiar 
calling,  for  which,  as  far  as  known,  he  has  ne^er  been  employed 
anywhere  else.  But  he  is  always  cheerful  in  the  house,  generally 
free  from  smell  either  of  coat  or  breath,  and  readily  taught  to  be 
cleanly  in  all  his  habits.  He  has  not  the  fondness  for  game  gen- 
erally exhibited  by  the  colley,  and  on  that  account  is  more  suited 
to  be  a  ladies'  pet,  nor  is  he  so  pugnacious  as  that  dog,  being  as  a 
rule  inclined  to  run  away  rather  than  fight,  when  the  choice  lies 
between  those  alternatives.  From  these  peculiarities  it  may  be 
gathered  that  he  is  quite  up  to  the  average  in  his  fitness  to  fill  the 
position  of  companion. 

The  specimen  selected  for  illustration  is  only  of  average  perfec- 
tion in  the  shape  of  body  and  head,  but  his  coat  is  highly  charac- 
teristic of  the  true  breed.  He  took  the  first  prize  at  the  late  Isling- 
ton Show  of  the  Kennel  Club.  This  variety  of  dog  has  become 
very  popular  as  a  house  dog  in  America,  but  of  late  has  fallen  into 
some  disrepute  on  account  of  his  snappish  disposition. 


THE  NEWFOUNDLAND. 
? 

This  most  valuable  animal  is  of  three  very  different  kinds,  viz. : 
1.  The  true  Newfoundland ;  2.  The  large,  loose-made,  and  long- 
haired variety,  known  as  the  Large  Labrador;  and  3.  The  small, 
compact,  and  comparatively  short-haired  dog,  known  as  the  St. 
John's  or  Lesser  Labrador  breed.  All  were  originally  natives  of 
Newfoundland,  and  though  many  are  bred  in  England,  fresh 
specimens  are  constantly  being  imported  from  the  island.  Many 
of  the  naturalized  strains  are  now  more  or  less  crossed  with  the 
mastiff  or  setter.  They  are  chiefly  used  for  ornamental  purposes 


THE    NEWFOUNDLAND.  133 

and  as  companions  to  their  masters,  the  small  breed  being  also 
crossed  with  the  setter  to  make  the  retriever;  but  in  their  native 
country  they  are  used  to  draw  timber  over  the  snow  in  the  winter 
months,  being  harnessed  to  carts  and  sledges  made  for  the  pur- 
pose. In  intelligence  the  three  breeds  are  about  equal,  all  being 
celebrated  for  their  faculty  of  learning  to  fetch  and  carry.  This 
is  sometimes  developed  to  such  an  extent  that  a  well-trained  dog 
will  go  back  for  anything  which  his  master  has  pointed  out  to 
him,  if  it  has  been  handled,  when  it  is  only  necessary  to  order  him 
back  to  saek,  and  he  will  find  it  by  the  scent. 

Both  breeds  are  good  water  dogs  and  bear  immersion  for  a  long 
time,  but  the  large  variety  having  a  more  woolly  coat  is  superior 
in  endurance  of  wet  and  cold.  Hundreds  of  anecdotes  are  told  of 
extraordinary  escapes  from  drowning  by  means  of  these  dogs,  their 
tendency  to  fetch  and  carry  being  doubly  useful  here.  Children 
and  light  small  women  may  be  intrusted  to  them  with  safety  in. 
the  water,  if  they  are  not  bewildered  with  fear,  when  they  will 
sometimes  cling  round  the  dog's  neck,  and  frustrate  all  his  efforts 
to  restore  them  to  the  land  by  swimming;  generally,  however,  in 
cases  of  recovery,  the  person  has  fainted,  and  being  then  power- 
less, is  towed  ashore  readily  enough.  The  speed  with  which  the 
Newfoundland  swims  is  very  great,  his  large  legs  and  feet  enabling 
him  to  paddle  himself  with  great  force.  From  their  great  size  and 
strength  they  are  able  to  beat  off  most  dogs  when  they  are  attacked, 
and  their  thick  coats  prevent  the  teeth  of  their  assailants  from  doing 
much  damage ;  but  in  offensive  measures  they  are  of  little  use,  being 
rather  unwieldy,  and  soon  winded  in  a  desperate  struggle.  Hence 
they  are  not  useful  in  hunting  the  large  kinds  of  game,  nor  the 
bear,  wolf,  or  tiger.  The  nose  is  delicate  enough  to  hunt  any  kind 
of  scent,  but  as  they  soon  tire,  they  are  not  used  in  this  way,  and 
it  is  solely  as  retrievers  on  land  or  water  that  they  are  useful  to  the 
sportsman,  being  generally  crossed  with  the  setter  for  the  former, 
and  the  water  spaniel  for  the  latter  element. 

The  characteristic  points  of  the  Large  Newfoundland  are,  great 
size,  often  being  from  25  to  30  inches  high ;  a  form  proportionally 
Stout  and  strong,  but  loosely  put  together,  so  that  there  is  a  general 


134 


PASTORAL   DOGS,   ETC. 


want  of  compactness,  especially  about  the  loins,  which  are  long 
and  very  flexible.  The  head  is  not  large  in  comparison  to  the  size, 
but  wide  across  the  eyes ;  muzzle  of  average  length  and  width, 
and  without  any  flews,  as  in  the  hounds  and  pointers  ;  eye  and  ear 
both  small,  the  latter  falling,  and  without  much  hair  on  it;  neck 
short  and  clot'.ea  with  a  ruff  of  hair ;  tail  long,  curled  on  itself 
slightly,  and  woolly ;  legs  very  strong,  but  not  feathered ;  feet 
large  and  rather  flat,  bearing  the  road  badly ;  coat  on  the  body 


Fig.   25. — NEWFOUNDLAND  DOG,   LEO. 

long,  hairy,  shaggy,  and  shining,  without  any  admixture  of  wool; 
the  color  should  be  black,  but  it  is  sometimes  black  and  white,  or 
white  with  little  black,  or  liver  color,  or  a  reddish  dun,  or  some 
times,  but  rarely,  a  dark  brindle  not  very  well  marked. 

The  large  black  Newfoundland  is  remarkable  for  his  majestic 
appearance,  combined  with  a  benevolent  expression  of  counte- 
nance. The  latter  quality,  being  really  in  accordance  with  his  dis- 
position, and  frequently  displayed  by  his  life-saving  capacities  in 
cases  of  threatened  drowning,  has  made  him  for  many  years  a  great 


THE   NEWFOUNDLAND.  135 

favorite  as  a  companion,  especially  with  those  who  live  near  the 
sea  or  any  great  river.  With  these  points  in  view,  judges  have 
naturally  made  a  full  size  of  great  importance,  since  it  not  only 
adds  to  the  majestic  aspect  of  the  dog,  but  renders  him  really  more 
capable  of  distinguishing  himself  in  tue  career  so  beautifully  com- 
memorated by  Landseer  in  one  of  his  most  popular  pictures. 

The  general  opinion  now  is,  that  a  dog  of  this  breed  above  26 
inches  is  almost  unknown  in  Newfoundland  ;  but  it  is  also  allowed 
that  puppies  bred  and  reared  in  England  of  the  pure  strains,  which 
in  the  island  never  attain  a  greater  night  than  26  inches,  will  grow 
to  30  or  even  32  inches.  Such  an  animal  is  Mr.  Mapplcbcck's  Leo, 
who  has  recently  taken  the  first  prize  at  Islington  in  the  Kennel 
Club  Show,  after  distinguishing  himself  previously  at  Bath,  and 
other  places. 

The  Large  Labrador  is  a  more  loosely-framed  animal,  and  is 
never  entirely  black,  being  more  or  less  mixed  with  white.  The 
coat  also  is  longer,  more  woolly,  and  curly. 

The  St.  John's,  or  Smaller  Labrador,  or  Newfoundland,  the  three 
names  being  used  indiscriminately,  is  seldom  more  than  25  inches 
high,  and  often  much  less.  The  head  is  larger  in  proportion  to 
his  size,  and  the  ear  also  slightly  fuller ;  neck  longer;  body  far 
more  compact,  and  clothed  with  shorter  hair,  shining,  and  with- 
out any  woolly  texture ;  tail  similar  in  shape,  but  the  hair  less 
woolly ;  legs  and  feet  also  better  adapted  for  work  ;  color  almost 
always  a  jet  black,  rarely  liver-colored.  This  dog  is  now  generally 
more  or  less  crossed  with  the  setter. 


THE    ESQUIMAUX    DOGS. 

These  dogs  are  the  only  beasts  of  burden  in  the  northern  part 
of  America  and  the  adjacent  islands,  being  sometimes  employed  to 
carry  materials  for  hunting  or  the  produce  of  the  chase  on  their 
backs.  At  other  times  they  are  harnessed  to  sledges  in  teams,  vary- 
ing from  7  to  11,  each  being  capable  of  drawing  a  hundred-weight 


136 


PASTOKAL  DOGS,  ETC. 


for  his  share.  They  are  harnessed  to  a  single  yoke  line  by  a  breast- 
strap,  and,  being  without  any  guide-reins,  they  are  entirely  at  lib- 
erty to  do  what  they  like,  being  only  restrained  by  the  voice  of 
their  master,  and  urged  forward  by  his  whip.  A  single  dog  of 
tried  intelligence  and  fidelity  is  placed  as  leader,  and  upon  him  the 
driver  depends  for  his  orders  being  obeyed.  In  the  summer  they 
are  most  of  them  turned  oiF  to  get  their  own  subsistence  by  hunt- 
ing, some  few  being  retained  to  carry  weights  on  their  backs. 
Sledges  are  then  rendered  useless  by  the  absence  of  snow ;  and,  as 


Fig.  36.— HEAD  OP  ESQUIMAUX  DOG. 

ihere  is  a  good  subsistence  for  them  from  the  offal  of  the  seal  and 
the  walrus  which  are  taken  by  the  men,  the  dogs  become  fat  at 
this  season  of  the  year.  The  Siberian  and  Greenland  dogs  are 
nearly  similar  to  those  of  Kamtschatka,  but  somewhat  larger,  and 
also  more  manageable,  all  being  used  in  the  same  way.  The  Es- 
quimaux dog  is  about  22  or  23  inches  high,  and  varies  greatly  in 
appearance,  having  been  crossed  considerably  with  the  Newfound- 
land and  Labrador  species.  The  illustration,  fig.  26,  represents  a 


THE    ESQUIMAUX    DOGS.  137 

variety  used  mostly  in  the  region  about  York  Factory,  Rupert's 
Rivers,  and  Labrador.  It  is  generally  of  the  Newfoundland 
type.  The  dog  common  to  the  region  of  the  Saskatchewan  River 
and  Lake  Winipeg  is  stone- grey,  of  large  and  bony  build,  with 
large  spreading  i'eet  and  with  prick  ears.  The  hair  is  long  and 
wiry,  and  lies  close  to  the  body.  The  head  of  this  dog  is  shown 
in  tiie  engraving,  fig.  27,  which  is  from  a  drawing  by  Adrian 
Nelson  of  Manitoba,  who  gives  the  following  particulars  in  a  re- 
cent letter : 
"  The  black  and  the  yellow  Esquimaux  dogs  are,  I  believe,  pe- 


Fig.  27.— HEAD  OP  ESQUIMAUX  DOG. 

culiar  to  the  American  Esquimaux.  These  I  consider  the  best 
sleigh  dogs  known,  especially  the  black  variety.  The  other  variety 
is  found  in  all  shades  of  yellow,  sometimes  almost  white.  A 
portrait  of  a  white  dog  of  this  variety  is  given  ^n  page  139.  The 
following  are  the  measurements  of  this  remarkably  fine  specimen : 
Hight  at  shoulder,  2  ft.  6  in.;  length  from  center  between  shoulder 
blades  to  center  between  ears,  1  foot ;  from  latter  point  to  end  of 


138  PASTORAL    DOGS,    ETC. 

nose,  11  in.;  length  from  shoulders  to  setting  on  of  tail,  2  ft.  7  in.; 
length  of  tail,  1  foot  4  in.;  measurement  round  head  just  behind 
ears,  2  ft.;  just  above  eyes,  1  foot  8  in.;  at  point  of  nose,  10  in.; 
his  girth  measured  fairly  tight,  not  outside  the  hair,  3  ft.;  his 
weight  is  120  Ibs.  Out  of  a  good  many  hundred  of  the  black 
I  have  not  seen  a  single  specimen  marked  with  either  white 
or  brown.  When  skinned  it  is  at  once  noticed  that  the  skull 
is  unusually  flat;  this  peculiarity  is  hidden  in  the  live  animal 
by  its  hair.  It  has  a  heavy  jaw,  very  small  round  ears,  which 
are  always  erect,  and  the  hair,  which  is  long,  hard,  and 
wiry,  invariably  stands  erect  off  the  skin,  very  similar  to  that 
of  a  bear,  to  which  the  whole  dog  bears  a  very  close  re- 
semblance when  lying  down.  All  of  this  breed  are  fierce, 
treacherous,  and  active.  A  man  would  be  considered  a  fool  who 
attempted  to  harness  them  without  his  whip,  and  that  whip  must 
have  some  little  bells,  thimbles,  or  pieces  of  tin  attached,  so  as  to 
constantly  jingle.  It  would  be  the  essence  of  folly  to  touch  one 
of  these  dogs  when  out  of  his  harness,  except  with  the  whip.  Ap- 
proacMng  the  dog,  the  driver  throws  the  lash,  which  is  about  10 
feet  long,  round  the  dog's  neck,  twists  it  until  it  almost  chokes 
him,  and  then  drags  him  to  his  collar  by  mam  strength,  grasps  his 
head  between  his  thighs,  and  then  slips  the  collar,  which  is  very 
tight,  over  the  head.  From  that  instant  the  dog  is  quiet  and  sub' 
missive  enough.  The  whips  used  are  of  plaited  caribou  hide,  with 
from  2  oz.  to  8  oz.  of  small  shot  woven  into  them,  to  give  them 
weight.  Besides  this,  with  most  strains,  it  is  necessary  to  carry 
.  chains  to  fasten  the  dogs  at  night,  and,  if  travelling  on  ice,  also  a 
spear  to  picket  them  to.  Mr.  Ouyon,  of  Fort  Chippewyan,  on  Lake 
Arthabasca,  has  some  splendid  dogs  of  this  breed.  This  post  has 
the  reputation  of  having  the  finest  dogs  in  the  North.  A  peculiar- 
ity in  these  dogs  is  that  they  all  have  bright,  clear,  yellow  eyes, 
similar  to  a  cat,  with  great  powers  of  dilating  the  pupils.  These 
dogs  cannot  be  purchased,  except  at  a  very  great  expense,  a  good 
one  being  sold  for  $100,  or  more. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

WATCH  DOGS,  HOUSE  DOGS,  AND  TOY  DOGS. 

BULLDOG.— ENGLISH  MASTIFF.— MOUNT  ST.  BERNARD.— THIBET  DOG.— 
POODLE.— MALTESE  DOG.— LION  DOG.— SHOCK  DOG.— TOY  SPANIELS. 
—TOY  TERRIERS.— THE  PUG  DOG.— ITALIAN  GREYHOUND. 

The  peculiarity  of  this  division  is  that  the  dogs  composing  it  are 
solely  useful  as  the  companions  or  guards  of  their  owners,  not 
being  capable  of  being  employed  with  advantage  for  hunting,  in 
consequence  of  their  defective  noses,  and  their  sizes  being  either 
too  large  and  unwieldy,  or  too  small,  for  that  purpose.  For  the 
same  reason  they  are  not  serviceable  as  pastoral  dogs  or  for 
draught,  their  legs  and  feet,  as  well  as  their  powers  of  maintaining 
long-continued  exertion,  being  comparatively  deficient.  These 
dogs  nearly  all  show  a  great  disposition  to  bark  at  intruders,  and 
thereby  give  warning  of  their  approach  ;  but  some,  as  the  bull- 
dog, are  nearly  silent,  and  their  bite  is  far  worse  than  their  bark. 
Others,  as,  for  instance,  the  little  house  dogs,  generally  with  more 
or  less  of  the  terrier  in  them,  are  only  to  be  used  for  the  purpose 
of  warning  by  their  bark,  as  their  bite  would  scarcely  deter  the 
most  timid.  The  varieties  are  as  follows : — 


THE  BULLDOG. 

F.  Cuvier  has  asserted  that  this  dog  has  a  brain  smaller  in  pro- 
portion than  any  other  of  his  congeners,  and  in  this  way  accounts 
for  his  assumed  want  of  sagacity.  But,  though  this  authority  is 
deservedly  high,  I  must  beg  leave  to  doubt  the  fact  as  well  as  the 
inference,  for  if  the  brain  is  weighed  with  the  body  of  the  dog 
from  which  it  was  taken,  it  will  be  found  to  be  relatively  above 
the  average,  the  mistake  arising  from  the  evident  disproportion  be- 
tween the  brain  and  the  skull.  For  the  whole  head,  including  the 
141 


142          WATCH    DOGS,    HOUSE    DOGS,    AND    TOY    DOGS. 

zygomatic  arches  and  cheek-bones,  is  so  much  larger  than  that  of 
the  spaniel  of  the  same  total  weight  of  body,  that  the  brain  may 
well  look  small  as  it  lies  in  the  middle  of  the  various  processes  in- 
tended for  the  attachment  of  the  strong  muscles  of  the  jaw  and 
neck.  I  have  never  been  able  to  obtain  the  fresh  brain  of  a  pure 
bulldog  for  the  purpose  of  comparison,  but,  from  an  examination 
of  the  skull,  I  have  no  doubt  of  the  fact  being  as  above  stated. 
The  mental  qualities  of  the  bulldog  may  be  highly  cultivated,  and 


Fig.  28.— BULLDOGS,  SMASHER  AND  SUGAR. 

in  brute  courage  and  unyielding  tenacity  of  purpose  he  stands  un- 
rivalled among  quadrupeds,  and  with  the  single  exception  of  the 
game-cock,  he  has  perhaps  no  parallel  in  these  respects  in  the  brute 
creation.  Two  remarkable  features  are  met  with  in  this  breed  : 
First,  they  always  make  their  attack  at  the  head ;  and,  secondly, 
they  do  not  bite  and  let  go  their  hold,  but  retain  it  in  the  most 
tenacious  manner,  so  that  they  can  with  difficulty  be  removed  by 
any  force  which  can  be  applied.  Instances  are  recorded  in  which 
bulldogs  have  hung  on  to  the  lip  of  the  bull  (in  the  old  days  of  bait- 


THE    BULLDOG.  143 

ing  this  animal)  after  their  entrails  had  been  torn  out,  and  while 
they  were  in  the  last  agonies  of  death.  Indeed  when  they  do  lay 
hold  of  an  object,  it  is  always  necessary  to  choke  them  off,  with- 
out which  resource  they  would  scarcely  ever  be  persuaded  to  let 
go.  From  confinement  to  their  kennels,  they  are  often  deficient  in 
intelligence,  and  can  rarely  be  brought  under  good  control  by 
education.  Owing  to  the  same  cause,  they  show  little  personal 
attachment,  so  t'.i^t  they  sometimes  attack  their  friends  as  well 
as  their  enemies  when  their  blood  is  put  up. 

But,  when  differently  treated,  the  bulldog  is  a  very  different  ani- 
mal, the  brutal  nature  which  he  so  often  displays  being  mainly  at- 
tributable to  the  savage  human  beings  with  whom  he  associates. 
Although,  therefore,  I  am  ready  to  admit  that  the  bulldog  often 
deserves  the  character  for  ferocity  which  he  has  obtained,  yet  I 
contend  that  this  is  not  natural  to  him,  any  more  than  stupidity 
and  want  of  affection,  which  may  readily  be  proved  to  be  the  re- 
verse of  his  character,  if  any  one  will  take  the  trouble  to  treat  him 
in  a  proper  manner.  For  the  following  remarks  I  am  mainly  in- 
debted to  Mr.  Stockdalc,  who  is  a  celebrated  breeder  of  bulldogs, 
and  has  had  a  long  experience  of  their  various  attributes.  The 
antiquity  of  the  breed  is  unquestionable,  and  it  has  always  been 
peculiar  to  the  British  islands,  the  Spanish  variety  having  originally 
been  procured  from  Britain.  It  is  highly  probable  that  the  modern 
bulldog  has  undergone  a  change  in  appearance  during  the  last  fifty 
years,  being  now  decidedly  neater  in  shape  than  was  formerly  the 
case,  if  we  are  to  judge  from  the  portraits  handed  down  to  us.  As 
now  exhibited,  he  is  a  remarkably  neat  and  compact  animal  natur- 
ally, the  deformities  sometimes  seen  being  produced  principally 
from  the  practice  of  constantly  keeping  the  poor  dog  tied  up  with 
a  short  chain. 

The  bulldog  has  been  described  as  stupidly  ferocious,  and  show- 
ing little  preference  for  his  master  over  strangers  ;  but  this  is  un- 
true, he  being  an  excellent  watch,  and  as  a  guard  unequalled,  ex- 
cept, perhaps,  by  the  bull-mastiff,  a  direct  cross  from  him. 
Indeed,  he  is  far  from  being  quarrelsome  by  nature,  though  the 
bull-terrier,  in  many  cases  undoubtedly  is  sor  and  I  fancy  that 


144          WATCH    DOGS,    HOUSE    DOGS,    AND    TOY    DOGS. 

some  writers  have  taken  their  description  from  this  dog  rat',  ei 
than  from  the  pure  bulldog,  which  has  been  at  all  times 
rather  a  scarce  animal.  If  once  the  pure  breed  is  allowed  to 
drop,  the  best  means  of  infusing  fresh  courage  into  degenerate 
breeds  will  be  finally  lost,  except  with  the  addition  of  extraneous 
blood,  which  may  not  suit  them ;  for  it  is  believed  that  every  kind 
of  dog  possessed  of  very  high  courage  owes  it  to  a  cross  with  the 
bulldog,  and  thus  the  most  plucky  greyhounds,  foxhounds,  mas- 
tiffs, pointers,  etc.,  may  all  bs  traced  to  this  source.  Though  bull 
and  badger  baiting  may  not  be  capable  of  extenuation,  to  them  we 
owe  the  keeping  up  of  this  breed  in  all  its  purity ;  and  though  we 
may  agree  to  discontinue  these  old-fashioned  sports,  yet  sports- 
men will  see  the  l;ad  taste  of  running  down  a  dog  who,  with  all 
his  faults,  is  not  only  the  most  courageous  dog,  but  the  most  cour- 
ageous animal  in  the  woild. 

The  points  of  a  well-bred  bulldog  are  as  follows :  The  head 
should  be  round,  the  skull  high,  the  eye  of  moderate  size,  and  the 
forehead  well  sunk  between  the  eyes,  the  ears  semi-erect  and 
small,  well  placed  on  the  top  of  the  head,  rather  close  together 
than  otherwise,  the  muzzle  short,  truncate,  and  well  furnished 
.vith  chop ;  his  back  should  be  short,  well  archcel  towards  the 
stern,  which  should  be  fine,  and  of  moderate  length.  Many  bull- 
dogs have  what  is  called  a  crooked  stern,  as  though  the  vertebrae 
of  the  tail  were  dislocated  or  broken.  Some  authorities  attribute 
this  to  in-breeding.  The  coat  should  be  fine,  thcugh  many  supe- 
rior strains  are  very  woolly  coated ;  the  chest  should  be  deep  and 
broad,  the  legs  strong  and  muscular,  and  the  foot  narrow  and  well 
split  up,  like  a  hare's. 

Many  of  the  old  well-known  breeders  of  the  bulldog  have  dis- 
appeared from  the  prize  list.  In  the  present  day,  Mr.  G.  A. 
Dawes,  of  Leamington  ;  Mr.  G.  Raper,  of  Stockton-on-Tees  ;  Mr. 
James  Taylor  of  Rochdale ;  Mr.  Harding  Cox ;  Mr.  Adcock,  of 
Wigan  ;  Mr.  James  Berrie  (now  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  enthusi 
astic  fanciers\  Mr.  Lay  ton,  Mr.  T.  H.  Joyce,  and  Mr.  Vero  Shaw, 
of  London,  have  many  good  specimens  of  the  type  I  have  en- 
deavored to  describe  in  the  foregoing  notes. 


THE    BULLDOG.  145 

The  engraving  given  on  page  142  is  a  portrait  of  a  pair  of  dogs 
bred  by  Mr,  Shaw,  which  show  the  peculiarities  of  the  breed  in  a 
marked  degree.  The  fore-shortened  sketch  cf  the  dog  exhibits 
the  formation  of  the  chest,  shoulders,  width  of  skull,  and  "  rose  " 
carriage  of  ears,  peculiar  to  the  breed,  while  the  bitch's  side  view 
shows  her  wonderfully  short  faoe  and  "  roached"  loin,  rarely  met 
with  to  the  same  extent.  Their  pedigrees  are  as  follows :  The 
dog,  Smasher,  by  Master  Gully,  oat  of  Nettle,  by  Sir  Anthony. 
The  bitch,  Sugar  (formerly  Lily),  is  by  the  Abbot  out  of  Mr.  J.  L. 
Ashburne's  Lola,  and  was  bred  by  the  latter  gentleman. 


146          WATCH   DOGS,    HOUSE   DOGS,    AND   TOT   DOGS. 


Fig.   29. — ENGLISH  MASTIFF,    GOVERNOR. 


THE  MASTIFF. 

There  is  every  reason  to  suppose  that  this  is  an  indigenous 
breed,  like  the  bulldog,  for  though  the  Cuban  mastiff  closely  re- 
sembles it,  yet  the  latter  is  to  all  appearances  crossed  with  the 
bloodhound. 

The  English  Mastiff  is  a  fine  noble-looking  animal,  and  in  tem- 
per is  the  most  to  be  depended  on  of  all  the  large  and  powerful 
dogs,  being  extremely  docile  and  companionable,  though  possessed 
of  the  highest  courage.  When  crossed  with  the  Newfoundland 
or  bloodhound,  they  answer  well  as  yard-dogs,  but  the  produce 
is  generally  of  a  savage  nature,  while  the  pure  breed  is  of  so  noble 
and  mild  a  nature  that  they  will  not  on  any  provocation  hart  a 


THE   MASTIFF.  147 

child  or  even  a  small  dog,  one  of  their  most  remarkable  attributes 
being  their  fondness  for  affording  protection.  Mr.  Lukey,  of 
Morden,  Surrey,  has  a  very  fine  breed  of  the  pure  mastiff.  We 
present  an  engraving  of  Governor,  the  finest  of  his  dogs. 

Mr.  Lukey  began  to  breed  mastiffs  rather  more  than  forty  years 
ago,  taking  a  brindled  bitch  bred  by  the  then  Duke  of  Devonshire 
as  his  foundation.  Patting  her  to  Lord  Waldegrave's  celebrated 
dog  Turk,  and  her  puppies  to  the  Marquis  of  Hertford's  Pluto,  he 
obtained  a  strain  with  which  he  stood  for  some  years  almost  alone 
as  the  celebrated  mastiff  breeder  of  the  day,  without  any  outcross. 
At  length,  fearing  deterioration  by  further  in-breeding,  he  resorted 
to  Capt.  Garnier's  kennel  for  a  sire,  the  produce  being  that  mag- 
nificent dog  Governor,  by  Capt.  Garnier's  Lion  out  of  his  own 
Countess,  a  daughter  of  his  Duchess  by  his  Bruce  II.,  who  was  by 
his  Bruce  I.  out  of  his  Nell.  Of  the  breeding  of  his  own  Lion, 
and  Lord  Waldegrave's  Turk,  Capt.  Gamier  writes  as  follows: 

"  Some  time  ago  I  bought  of  Bill  George  a  pair  of  mastiffs, 
whose  produce,  by  good  luck,  afterwards  turned  out  some  of  the 
finest  specimens  cf  the  breed  I  ever  saw.  The  dog  Adam  was  one 
of  a  pair  of  Lyme  Hall  mastiffs,  bought  by  Bill  George  at  Tatter- 
sail's.  He  was  a  different  stamp  of  dog  to  the  present  Lyme  breed. 
He  stood  30  J-  in.  at  the  shoulder,  with  length  of  body  and  good 
muscular  shoul.lers  and  loins,  but  was  just  slightly  deficient  in 
depth  of  body  and  breadth  of  forehead ;  and  from  the  peculiar 
forward  lay  of  his  small  ears,  and  from  his  produce,  I  have  since 
suspected  a  remote  dash  of  boarhound  in  him.  The  bitch  was  ob- 
tained by  Bill  George  from  a  dealer  in  Leadenhall  Market.  Noth- 
ing was  known  of  her  pedigree,  but  I  am  as  convinced  of  its  purity 
as  I  am  doubtful  of  that  of  the  dog.  There  was  nothing  striking 
about  her.  She  was  old,  with  shoulders  a  trifle  flat.  She  had  a  grey 
muzzle,  but  withal  stoo:l  29  in.  at  the  shoulder,  and  had  a  broad 
round  head,  good  loin,  and  deep  lengthy  frame.  From  crossing 
these  dogs  with  various  strains  I  was  easily  able  to  analyze  their 
produce,  and  I  found  ?u  them  two  distinct  types — one  due  to  the 
dog,  very  tall,  but  a  little  short  in  the  body  and  high  on  the  leg, 
while  their  heads  were  slightly  deficient  in  breadth ;  the  other  due 


148  WATCH   DOGS,    HOUSE    DOGS,    AND   TOY  DOGS. 

to  the  bitch,  equally  tall,  but  deep,  lengthy  and  muscular,  with 
broad  massive  heads  and  muzzles.  Some  of  these  latter  stood  33 
inches  at  the  shoulder,  and  by  the  time  they  were  two  years  old 
weighed  upwards  of  190  Ibs.  They  had  invariably  a  fifth  toe  on 
each  hind  leg,  which  toe  was  quite  distinct  from  a  dew-claw,  and 
formed  an  integral  portion  of  their  feet.  By  bad  management,  I 
was  only  able  to  bring  a  somewhat  indifferent  specimen  with  me 
on  my  return  to  England  from  America — a  badly  reared  animal, 
who  nevertheless  stood  32  in.  at  the  shoulder,  and  weighed  170  Ibs. 


Fig.   30.— BOUGH  ST.   BERNARD,   TELL. 

This  dog  Lion  was  the  sire  of  Governor  and  Harold,  by  Mr. 
Lukey's  bitch  Countess,  and  so  certain  was  I  of  the  vast  size  of  thfi 
breed  in  him,  that  I  stated  beforehand,  much  to  Mr.  Lukey's  in- 
credulity, that  the  produce  would  be  dogs  standing  33  in.  at  the 
shoulder- the  result  being  that  both  Governor  and  his  brother 
Harold  were  fully  that  hight.  In  choosing  the  whelps,  Mr.  Lukey 
retained  for  himself  the  best  marked  one,  an  animal  that  took 
after  the  lighter  of  the  two  strains  that  existed  in  the  sire ;  for 
Governor,  grand  dog  and  perfect  mastiff  as  he  was,  compared  to 
most  others  of  the  breed,  was  nevertheless  shorter  in  the  body, 
higher  on  the  leg,  and  with  less  muscular  development  than  Har- 


THE    MASTIFF.  149 

old,  while  his  head,  large  as  it  was,  barely  measured  as  much 
around  as  did  his  brother's.  I,  who  went  by  the  development  of 
the  fifth  toe  (in  this  case  only  a  dew-claw),  chose  Harold,  a  dog 
which  combined  all  the  best  points  except  color  of  both  strains, 
and  was  a  very  perfect  reproduction  on  a  larger  scale  of  his  dam 
Countess.  This  dog  was  the  finest  male  specimen  of  the  breed  I 
have  met  with.  His  breast  at  ten  months  old,  standing  up,  meas- 
ured 13  in.  across,  with  a  girth  of  41  in.,  and  he  weighed  in  mod- 
erate condition  140  Ibs.,  and  at  twelve  months  old  160  Ibs.,  while  at 
13^  months  old,  Governor  only  weighed  in  excellent  condition  150 
Ibs.  with  a  girth  of  40  in. ;  and  inasmuch  as  Governor  eventually 
weighed  180  Ibs.  or  even  more,  the  size  to  which  Harold  probably 
attained  must  have  been  very  great.  His  head  also  in  size  and 
shape  promised  to  be  perfect," 

The  points  of  the  mastiff  are  : — A  head  of  Lrge  size,  between 
that  of  the  bloodhound  and  bulldog  in  shape,  having  the  volume 
of  muscle  of  the  latter,  with  the  flews  and  muzzle  of  the  former, 
though,  of  course,  not  nearly  so  deep;  the  ear  being  of  small  size 
but  drooping-,  like  that  of  the  hound.  The  teeth  generally  meet, 
but  if  anything  there  is  a  slight  protuberance  of  the  lower  jaw, 
never  being  uncovered  by  the  upper  lip  like  those  of  the  bulldog; 
eye  small ;  in  shape  there  is  a  considerable  similarity  to  the 
hound,  but  much  heavier  in  all  its  lines;  loin  compact  and 
powerful,  and  limbs  strong  ;  tail  very  slightly  rough,  and  carried 
high  over  the  back  when  excited  ;  voice  very  deep  and  sonorous ; 
coat  smooth ;  color  red  or  fawn  with  black  muzzle,  or  brindled, 
or  blick  ;  or  black,  red,  or  fawn  and  white,  the  latter  mixture  ob- 
jected to ;  hight  about  28  to  31  inches. 


150  WATCH   DOGS,    HOUSE   DOGS,   AND   TOY   DOGS. 


Fig.   31.— SMOOTH  ST.   BBRNARD,   MONABQUE. 

THE    MOUNT    ST.    BERNARD    DOG. 

Closely  allied  to  the  mastiff,  but  resembling  the  Newfoundland 
in  temper  and  in  his  disposition  to  fetch  and  carry,  is  the  Mount 
St.  Bernard  breed,  until  lately  confined  to  the  Alps  and  the  ad- 
jacent countriss,  where  he  is  used  to  recover  persons  who  are  lost 
in  the  snow-storms  of  that  inclement  region.  Wonderful  stories 
are  told  of  the  intelligence  of  these  dogs  and  of  the  recovery  of 
travellers  by  their  means,  which  are  said  to  extend  almost  to  the 
act  of  pouring  spirits  down  the  throats  of  their  patients ;  but,  how- 
ever, there  is  no  doubt  that  they  have  been  and  still  are  exceed- 
ingly useful,  and  the  breed  is  kept  up  at  the  monastery  of  Mount 
St.  Bernard.  The  hight  is  about  28  to  31  inches  ;  length  six  feet, 
including  the  tail.  The  coat  varies  a  good  deal  in  length,  there 
being  in  England  two  distinct  varieties  founded  upon  this  point, 
viz.,  the  rough  and  the  smooth.  Mr.  Macdona,  who  has  been  at 
great  trouble  and  expense  to  import  both  of  the  best  Swiss  strains, 


THE   THIBET   DOG.  151 

leans  to  the  rough,  but  there  are  many  who  still  adhere  to  the 
smooth  variety.  The  smooth  dog  is  red  and  white,  or  brindled 
and  white,  a  broad  white  collar  of  white  of  a  peculiar  shape  dis- 
tinguishing the  true  breed.  The  rough  dog  is  most  highly  prized 
when  of  a  deep  tawny  brindle,  still  with  some  white,  but  not  so 
much  as  in  the  smooth  kind.  Both  dogs  are  remarkably  good- 
tempered,  and  may  be  trusted  with  the  care  of  women  or  children 
with  great  dependence.  The  absence  of  dew-claw  on  the  hind 
leg  is  considered  a  defect  by  some  judges,  and  there  is  no  doubt 
that  many  imported  specimens  of  the  breed  have  the  double  dew- 
claw.  The  illustrations  of  the  two  varieties  mentioned  are  portraits 
of  dogs  owned  by  Mr.  Macdona. 


THE    THIBET    DOG. 

This  animal,  as  before  remarked,  resembles  the  English  mastiff 
in  general  appearance,  and,  being  also  put  to  the  same  use,  the  two 
may  be  said  to  be  nearly  allied.  According  to  Mr.  Bennet,  he  is 
bred  on  the  Himalaya  Mountains,  on  the  borders  of  Thibet,  for 
the  purpose  of  guarding  the  flocks  and  the  women  who  attend 
them. 


152         WATCH   DOGS,   HOUSE   DOGS,    AND   TOY    DOGS. 


Fig.  32. — POODLE  DOG. 


THE    POODLE. 

The  engraving  given  on  this  page  represents  the  poodle  as  he  is 
generally  to  be  seen,  shaved  in  part,  so  as  to  resemble  the  lion  in 
having  a  mane;  the  tip  of  his  tail  having  a  tuft  left  on  it. 
He  is  by  many  supposed  to  be  the  produce  of  a  cross  between  the 
water  and  land  spaniels,  but  there  is  no  good  reason  to  suppose 
that  the  breed  is  not  quite  as  distinct  as  either  of  them.  For  many 
years  it  has  been  known  in  France  and  Germany,  particularly  the 
former  country,  and  it  is  there  occasionally  used  for  sporting  pur- 
poses, though,  as  in  England,  it  is  chiefly  as  a  companion  that 
this  dog  is  kept.  With  more  intelligence  than  falls  to  the  lot  of 
any  other  dog,  he  unites  great  fidelity  to  his  master,  and  a  slrong 
love  of  approbation,  ko  that  he  may  readily  be  induced  to  attempt 
any  trick  which  is  shown  him,  and  the  extent  to  which  he  may  be 
taught  to  carry  out  the  secret  orders  of  his  instructor  is  quite  mar- 
vellous. He  fetches  and  carries  very  readily,  swims  well,  and  has 
a  good  nose,  but  has  no  particular  fondness  for  hunting  game, 
often  preferring  a  stick  or  a  stone  to  a  hare  or  pheasant.  Two  of 


THE   POODLE   DOG.  153 

these  dogs  which  were  exhibited  in  London  astonished  every  one 
by  their  clever  performances,  sitting  up  to  table  gravely,  and  play- 
ing a  game  at  cards  as  quickly  as  a  human  being,  the  cards  being 
placed  before  them,  and  the  one  to  be  played  being  selected  by 
the  dog's  foot.  Of  course  this  was  all  done  by  preconcerted  signal, 
b'lt  nevertheless  it  was  remarkably  well  managed,  and  showed  a 
decree  of  intelligence  and  discipline  worthy  of  a  better  purpose. 

The  poodle  is  characterized  by  a  large  wide  head,  rising  sharply 
at  the  forehead,  long  falling  ears  clothed  with  thick  curly  hair, 
rather  small  eyes,  square  muzzle,  with  a  liberal  allowance  of  jowl, 
and  a  sedate  appearance  until  roused  by  any  prospect  of  fun ;  a 
well-formed  pointer-like  body,  but  covered  with  thick  closely  curl- 
ing hair,  hanging  down  in  ringlets  below;  tail  usually  cropped 
moro  or  less,  naturally  covered  with  crisp  curls;  legs  straight, 
and  covered  all  round  with  hair  hanging  in  short  ringlets ;  feet 
smill  and  round,  and  moderately  hairy;  color  white  or  black,  or 
white  and  black  ;  hight  from  16  to  20  inches. 

The  Barbet  is  merely  a  small  variety  of  the  poodle,  which  it  re- 
sembles in  all  respects  but  size. 


154 


AND    TOY   DOGS. 


Fig.   33.— MALTESE  DOG,   FIDO. 

MALTESE  DOG. 

This  beautiful  little  dog  is  a  Skye  terrier  in  miniature,  with, 
however,  a  far  more  silky  coat,  a  considerably  shorter  back,  and  a 
tail  stiffly  curved  over  the  hip. 

Points.— The  weight  should  never  exceed  5  or  6  Ibs. ;  head 
closely  resembling  that  of  the  Skye,  but  with  more  shining  and 
silky  hair;  coat  as  long  as  that  dog's,  but  more  transparent  and 
silky ;  actions  lively  and  playful,  and  altogether  rendering  it  a 
pleasing  pet.  The  tail  is  curved  over  the  back,  very  small  and 
short,  with  a  brush  of  silky  hair ;  color  white,  with  an  occasional 
patch  of  fawn  on  the  ear  or  paw.  The  breed  was  so  scarce  some 
time  ago,  as  to  induce  Sir  E.  Landseer  to  paint  one  as  the  last  of 
his  racs ;  since  which  several  have  been  imported  from  Malta,  and, 
though  still  scarce,  they  are  now  to  be  obtained.  A  strain  bred  by 
Mr.  Mandeville  has  kept  possession  of  the  show  bench  since  1862, 
when  the  first  class  of  this  kind  of  toy  dog  was  established  at  the 
Agricultural  Hall  Show,  in  which  Mr.  Mandeville's  Mick  and  Fido 
were  first  and  second.  In  the  following  year,  at  Ashburnham,  the 
same  kennel  again  produced  the  first  and  second  prize  holders, 
Fido  being  at  the  head  of  his  class,  and  a  dog  called  Prince 


LION   DO&,    SHOCK    TOG,    AND   TOT    SPANIELS.  155 

second.     Since  then  Mr.  Mandeville's  strain  has  held  undisputed 
possession  of  the  prize  list. 


THE  LION  DOG. 

This  toy  dog  appears  to  be  crossed  between  the  poodle  and  the 
Maltese  dog,  being  curly  like  the  former,  but  without  his  long  ears 
and  square  visage.  He  is  now  very  seldom  seen  anywhere,  and 
is  not  prized  among  fanciers  of  the  canine  species.  Like  the 
poodle  he  was  generally  shaved  to  make  him  resemble  the  lion. 


THE   SHOCK   DOG. 


This  dog  also  is  now  almost  unknown.  But  formerly  he  was 
very  generally  kept  as  a  toy  dog.  He  is  said  to  have  been  a  cross 
between  the  poodle  and  small  spaniel,  both  of  which  varieties  he 
resembled  in  part. 


TOY   SPANIELS. 

Two  breeds  are  known  and  recognized  under  this  head,  namely, 
the  King  Charles  and  the  Blenheim  spaniels,  the  former  being 
slightly  the  larger  of  the  two,  and  by  most  people  considered  the 
more  handsome.  To  an  ordinary  observer  the  chief  points  of  dis- 
tinction in  the  King  Charles  are,  the  color,  which  is  black  and  tan 
more  or  less  mixed  with  white,  the  less  the  better;  and  the  length 
of  the  ears,  which  is  greater  than  in  the  Blenheims ;  these  being 
also  lighter  in  frame,  and  always  yellow  or  red  and  while.  Both 
are  small  delicate  dogs,  and  though  they  have  pretty  good  noses, 
and  will  hunt  game  readily,  yet  they  so  soon  tire  that  they  are 
rarely  used  for  the  purpose,  and  are  solely  kept  for  their  orna- 
mental properties.  They  make  good  watch  dogs  in-doors,  bark- 
ing at  the  slightest  noise,  and  thus  giving  notice  of  the  approach  of 


156 


WATCH    DOGS,    HOUSE   BOGS,    AND   TOY   DOGS. 


improper  persons  Though  they  are  somewhat  timid  they  are  not 
readily  silenced,  as  their  small  size  allows  of  their  retreating  be- 
neath chairs  and  sofas  from  which  asylum  they  keep  up  their 
sharp  and  shrill  note  of  defiance  The  great  objection  to  these 
handsome  little  creatures  as  pets  is  that  they  follow  badly  out  of 
doors,  and  as  they  are  always  ready  to  be  fondled  by  a  stranger, 
they  are  very  liable  to  be  stolen.  Hence  many  people  prefer  the 
toy  terrier,  or  the  Skye,  which  is  now  introduced  very  extensively 


Fig.   34.— KING  CHARLES   SPANIEL,    YOUNG  JUMBO. 


as  a  toy  dog,  and  might  with  propriety  be  inserted  under  this 
chapter.  The  King  Charles  and  Blenheim  spaniels  are  often 
crossed,  and  then  you  may  have  good  specimens  of  each  from  the 
same  litter,  but  if  true,  their  colors  never  vary. 

The  points  of  the  King  Charles  spaniel  are :  extremely  short 
muzzle,  which  should  be  slightly  turned  up;  black  nose  and  pal- 
ate ;  full  prominent  eye,  which  is  continually  weeping,  leaving  a 
gutter  of  moisture  down  the  cheek ;  a  round  bullet-shaped  head, 
with  a  well-marked  "  stop "  between  the  eyes ;  very  long,  full- 
haired,  and  silky  ears,  which  should  fall  close  to  the  cheeks,  and 


TOY    SPANIELS. 


157 


not  stand  out  from  them  ;  the  body  is  covered  with  wavy  hair 
of  a  silky  texture,  without  curl ;  and  the  legs  should  be  feathered 
to  the  toes,  the  length  and  silkiness  of  this  being  a  great  point; 
tail  well  feathered,  but  not  bushy ;  it  is  usually  cropped  \  the 
color  should  be  a  rich  black  and  tan,  without  a  white  hair ;  but 
those  m  irked  with  an  unusual  amount  of  white  are  not  to 
be  despised.  They  sometimes  make  their  appearance  in  a  litter  of 
which  both  sire  and  dam  have  scarcely  a  white  hair ;  the  weight 


Fig.    35.— BLENHEIM   SPANIEL. 


^hould  never  exceed  6,  or  at  the  utmost  7  Ibs. ;  and  they  are  valued 
the  more  if  they  are  as  low  as  44  or  5  Ibs.    (See  portrait.) 

The  points  of  the  Blenheim  vary  very  little  from  those  of  the 
King  Charles,  except  in  color,  which  is  always  a  white  ground 
with  red  or  yellow  spots  or  patches,  with  well-marked  blaze 
of  white  between  the  eyes.  The  ears  should  be  colored,  and  also 
the  whole  of  the  head,  with  the  exception  of  the  nose  and  a  white 
mark  up  the  forehead,  as  is  shown  in  the  cut,  which  represents  the 
Blenheim  pretty  accurately.  The  palate  is  black,  like  that  of  the 
King  Charles ;  and  there  is  little  difference  in  shape,  though  an 
experienced  eye  could  detect  the  one  from  the  other  even  irre- 


158    WATCH  DOGS,  HOUSE  DOGS,  AND  TOY  DOGS. 

spective  of  color.     This  dog  is  generally  smaller  than  the  King 
Charles. 


THE  PUG. 

This  curly-tailed  and  pretty  little  toy  dog  was  out  of  fashion  in 
England  for  some  years,  but  has  recently  come  again  into  such 
vogue  that  a  good  pug  will  fetch  from  100  to  200  dollars.  The 
British  breed,  however,  which  is  one  of  those  known  to  have  exist- 
cd  from  the  earliest  times,  was  never  entirely  lost,  Laving  been 
carefully  preserved  in  a  few  families.  The  Dutch  have  always  had 
a  fondness  for  the  pug  dog,  and  in  Holland  the  breed  is  common 
enough,  but  the  same  attention  has  not  been  paid  to  it  as  in  Eng- 
land, and  yellow  masks,  low  foreheads,  and  pointed  noses  arc  con- 
stantly making  their  appearance  in  them,  from  the  impure  blood 
creeping  out,  and  showinge  vidences  of  the  crosses  which  have  taken 
place.  The  very  beautiful  pair  of  these  dogs,  which  is  engraved  on 
the  next  page,  have  the  following  history.  During  the  decade 
1840-50,  several  admirers  of  pugs  attempted  to  breed  them  from 
good  foreign  strains.  Foremost  among  these  was  the  then  Lady 
Willoughby  de  Eresby,  who,  after  a  great  deal  of  trouble,  obtained 
a  dog  from  Vienna  which  had  belonged  to  a  Hungarian  countess, 
but  was  of  a  bad  color,  being  a  mixture  of  the  stone-fawn  now 
peculiar  to  the  "  Willoughby  strain,"  and  black  ;  but  the  combina- 
tion of  these  colors  was  to  a  certain  extent  in  the  brindled  form. 
From  accounts  which  are  to  be  relied  on,  this  dog  w£s  about 
twelve  inches  high,  and  of  good  shape,  both  in  body  and  head,  but 
had  a  face  much  longer  than  would  now  be  approved  of  by  pug 
fanciers.  In  1846  he  was  mated  with  a  fawn  bitch  imported  from 
Holland,  of  the  desired  color,  viz.,  stone-fawn  in  body,  with  black 
mask  and  trace,  but  with  no  indication  of  brindle.  She  had  a 
shorter  face  and  heavier  jowl  than  the  dog,  and  was  altogether  in 
accordance  with  the  type  now  recognized  as  the  correct  "  Wil 
loughby  pug."  From  this  pair  are  descended  all  the  strain  named 


THE   PUG. 


159 


after  Lady  Willoughby  de  Eresby,  which  are  marked  in  color  by 
their  peculiar  cold  stone-fawn,  and  the  excess  of  black  often  show- 
ing itself,  not  in  brindled  stripes,  but  in  entirely  or  nearly  entirely 
black  heads,  and  large  "  saddle  marks  "  or  wide  "  traces." 

But  coincidently  with  this  formation  of  a  new  strain  was  the  ex 
istence  of  another,  showing  a  richer  and  more  yellow  fawn,  and  no 
tendency  to  excess  of  black.  This  strain  was  possessed  by  the  late 
Mr.  Morrison,  of  Walham  Green;  the  late  Mr.  H.  Gilbert,  cf  Ken- 
sington: Mr.  W.  Macdonald,  now  of  Winchniore  Hill,  but  at  that 


Fig     36. — PAIR   OF  PUG  DOGS. 

time  residing  in  London ;  and  some  other  fanciers  of  less  note. 
According  to  Mr.  Morrison's  statement  to  me  (which,  however,  he 
did  not  wish  made  public  during  his  life),  this  strain  was  lineally 
descended  from  a  stock  possessed  by  Queen  Charlotte,  one  of  which 
is  painted  with  great  care  in  the  well-known  portrait  of  George 
III.  at  Hampton  Court ;  but  I  could  never  get  him  to  reveal  the 
exact  source  from  which  it  was  obtained. 


160          WATCH   DOGS,    HOUSE   DOGS,    AND   TOY   DOGS. 

These  do^rs  are  not  remarkable  for  sagacity  displayed  in  any 
shape,  but  they  are  very  affectionate  and  playful,  and  bear  the 
confinement  of  the  house  better  than  many  otlier  breeds,  racing 
over  the  carpets  in  their  play  as  freely  as  others  do  over  the  turf. 
For  this  reason,  as  well  as  the  sweetness  of  their  skins,  and  their 
short  and  soft  coats,  they  are  much  liked  by  the  Ladies  as  pets. 

Their  points  are  as  follows : — General  appearance  low  and  thick- 
set, the  legs  being  short,  and  the  body  as  close  to  the  ground  as 
possible,  but  with  an  elegant  outline ;  weight  from  6  to  10  Ibs ; 
color  fawn,  with  black  mask  and  vent.  The  clearer  the  fawn, 
and  the  more  distinctly  marked  the  black  on  the  mask,  which 
should  extend  to  the  eyes,  the  better;  but  there  is  generally  a 
slightly  darker  line  down  the  back.  Some  strains  have  the  Lair 
all  over  the  body  tipped  with  "smut,"  but  on  them  the  mask  is 
sure  to  shade  off  too  gently,  without  the  clear  line  which  is  valued 
by  the  fancier ;  coat  short,  thick,  and  silky  ;  head  round,  fore- 
head high ;  nose  short,  but  not  turned  up ;  and  level-mouthed ; 
ears,  when  cut.  cropped  quite  close,  naturally  rather  short  but 
falling  ;  neck  of  moderate  length,  stout,  but  not  throaty ;  chest 
wide,  deep,  and  round ;  tail  short,  and  curled  closely  to  the  side, 
AOt  standing  up  above  the  back.  It  is  remarkable  that  the  tail  in 
the  dog  generally  falls  over  the  off  side,  while  in  the  bitch  it  lies  on 
the  near.  The  legs  are  straight,  with  small  bone,  but  well  clothed 
with  muscle;  feet  like  the  hare,  not  cat-footed;  no  dew-claws 
on  the  hind  legs.  The  hight  is  from  11  to  15  inches. 


TOY    TSRRIERS. 


161 


Fig.  37. — TOT  TERRIER  BELLE,  AND  BLACK-AND-TA.N  QUEEN  III. 


TOY  TERRIERS. 

These  are  of  the  various  breeds  described  under  the  head  of  the 
terrier,  but  of  smaller  size  than  the  average,  and  with  great  atten- 
tion paid  to  their  color  and  shape.  The  smooth  English  terrier,  not 
exceeding  7  Ibs.  in  weight,  is  much  prized ;  and  when  he  can  be 
obtained  of  3£  or  4  Ibs.  weight,  with  perfect  symmetry,  and  a  good 
rich  black  and  tan  color  without  a  white  hair,  he  is  certainly  a  very 
perfect  little  dog.  The  black  lines  ('"  pencilling")  of  the  toes,  and 
the  richness  of  the  tan  on  the  cheeks  and  legs,  are  points  much  in- 
sisted on. 

Above  is  a  portrait  of  Mr.  Mapplebeck's  wonderfully  good  toy 
terrier  Belle,  winner  of  the  first  prize  at  Birmingham,  and  at 
the  late  Kennel  Club  show  held  at  the  Alexandra  Palace,  together 
with  his  Queen  III.,  also  a  first  prize  winner  at  the  latter  show  in 
the  class  for  black  and  tan  or  Manchester  terriers — the  latter  serv- 
ing as  a  contrast  to  the  former  in  point  of  size.  This  little  dog  is, 
in  fact,  the  large  black  and  tan  terrier  reduced  in  size  from  15  Ibs. 
or  16  Ibs.  to  3  Ibs.  or  4  Ibs.,  the  one  being  exactly  a  copy  of  the 
larger  kind,  except  in  size,  and  possessed  of  equal  hardihood  and 
spirit.  The  two  bitches  are  reproduced  with  fidelity.  The  great 


162          WATCH   DOGS,    HOUSE    DOGS,    AND   TOT   DOGS. 

difficulty  is  to  breed  such  little  dwarfs  without  loss  of  symmetry 
or  substance,  the  general  result  being  a  reduction  of  the  size  of 
the  body  and  an  enlargement  proportionally  of  the  head.  The 
pedigree  of  Belle  is  unknown. 

As  the  points  of  this  breed  are  precisely  similar  to  those  of  the 
larger  variety,  it  is  needless  to  reproduce  them  here. 

Most  of  the  toy  terriers  now  sold  are  either  crossed  with  the 
Italian  greyhound  or  the  King  Charles  spaniel.  With  the  former, 
the  shape  is  preserved,  and  there  is  the  greatest  possible  difficulty  in 
distinguishing  this  cross  from  the  pure  English  terrier ;  indeed,  I 
am  much  inclined  to  believe  that  all  our  best  modern  toy  terriers 
are  thus  bred.  They  have  the  beautiful  long  sharp  nose,  the  nar- 
row forehead,  and  the  small  sharp  eye,  which  characterize  the 
pure  breed,  but  they  are  seldom  good  at  vermin,  though  some 
which  I  have  known  to  be  half  Italian  have  been  bold  enough  to 
attack  a  good  strong  rat  as  well  as  most  dogs.  Many  of  these  half- 
bred  Italians  are  used  for  rabbit  coursing,  in  which  there  is  a  limit 
to  weight,  but  it  is  chiefly  for  toy  purposes  that  large  prices  are  ob- 
tained for  them.  When  the  cross  with  the  spaniel  has  been  resort- 
ed to,  the  forehead  is  high,  the  nose  shorthand  the  eye  large,  full, 
and  often  weeping,  while  the  general  form  is  not  so  symmetrical 
and  compact ;  the  chest  being  full  enough,  but  the  brisket  not  so 
deep  as  in  the  true  terrier,  or  in  the  Italian  cross. 

The  Skye  Terrier,  as  used  for  toy  purposes,  is  often  crossed  with 
the  spaniel  to  get  silkiness  of  coat.  See  page  77. 

The  points  are  as  there  described. 

Scotch  Terriers  are  seldom  used  as  toys,  and  are  not  considered 
such  by  the  fanciers  of  the  animal. 

The  Halifax  Blue  Tan  Terrier  is  a  toy  dog,  whether  the  weight 
is  16  Ibs.  or  3  Ibs.,  between  which  every  gradation  may  be  found. 
The  color  of  the  back  is  a  blue,  sometimes  stained  with  fawn,  all 
the  rest  of  the  body  being  a  rich  golden  tan.  The  hair  is  long  and 
silky,  always  parting  down  the  middle,  and  very  long  at  the  muz- 
zle, from  which  it  hangs  like  a  beard.  The  shape  resembles  that 
of  the  Scotch  terrier. 

The  Italian  Greyhound  has  been  already  described  on  page  52. 


CHAPTER    VII. 
CROSSED    BREEDS. 

RETRIEVER. — BULL-TBRRIER. 

Although  many  of  the  breeds  which  have  been  enumerated  in 
the  preceding  chapters  were  most  probably  the  produce  originally 
of  crosses  between  distinct  varieties,  yet  at  present  they  are  con- 
tinued by  breeding  from  a  sire  and  dam  of  the  same  kind.  But  with 
those  which  we  are  now  about  to  consider,  there  is  constantly  a  neces- 
sity for  having  recourse  to  the  original  breeds.  For  instance,  many 
breeds  of  the  greyhound  are  known  to  be  crossed  with  the  bull, 
and  the  identical  animal  with  which  the  cross  first  commenced  is 
well  ascertained,  as  in  the  case  of  Sir  James  Bos  well's  "Jason," 
Mr.  Etwall's  "  Eurus,"  etc. ;  so  also  with  the  foxhound,  though 
here  the  particular  cross  is  not  so  well  ascertained,  but  it  is  ad- 
mitted to  have  taken  place  within  the  last  century.  Yet  these  are 
not  called  mongrels,  and  the  breed,  instead  of  being  despised  as 
such,  is  more  highly  prized  than  those  of  the  pure  strain  which 
formed  one  side  of  the  parent  stock.  The  term  mongrel  may  more 
properly  be  applied  to  those  chance  crosses  which  occur  from  ac- 
cident or  neglect,  the  bitch  selecting  her  own  mate,  and  being 
guided  by  caprice,  without  regard  to  the  fitness  of  the  match  in 
reference  to  the  progeny  resulting. 


THE  RETRIEVER. 


In  speaking  of  the  retriever,  it  is  generally  understood  that  the 
dog  for  recovering  game  on  land  is  meant,  the  distinct  kind  known 
as  the  water  spaniel  being  already  alluded  to  on  page  118.     With 
103 


164  CROSSED   BREEDS. 

regard  to  the  propriety  of  using  a  separate  dog  for  retrieving  in 
open  or  covert  shooting,  there  is  a  great  difference  of  opinion. 
This  part  of  the  subject  will  be  considered  under  the  next  division 
of  this  book.  I  now  confine  myself  to  a  description  of  the 
crosses  used  solely  as  retrievers,  including  the  ordinary  cross  be- 
tween the  Newfoundland  and  setter,  and  that  between  the  terrier 
and  the  water  spaniel,  which  is  recommended  by  Mr.  Colquhoun, 
and  which  I  have  found  especially  serviceable. 

The  qualities  which  are  required  in  the  regular  retriever  are  : 
Great  delicacy  of  nose,  and  power  of  stopping  (which  latter  is  of- 
ten not  possessed  by  the  pointer) ;  cleverness  to  follow  out  the 
windings  of  the  wounded  bird,  which  are  frequently  most  intri- 
cate, and  puzzle  the  intelligence  as  well  as  the  nose  to  unravel 
them  ;  love  of  approbation,  to  induce  the  dog  to  attend  to  the  in- 
structions of  the  master,  and  an  amount  of  obedience  which  will 
be  required  to  prevent  his  venturing  to  break  out  when  game  is 
before  him.  All  these  are  doubtless  found  in  the  retriever,  but 
they  are  coupled  with  a  large  heavy  frame,  requiring  a  consider- 
able amount  of  food  to  keep  it,  and  space  in  the  vehicle  when  he 
is  to  be  conveyed  from  place  to  place.  Hence,  if  a  smaller  dog 
can  be  found  to  do  the  work  equally  well,  he  should  be  preferred, 
and  as  some  think  he  can,  both  shall  be  described. 

The  Large  Black  Retriever  is  known  by  his  resemblance  to  the 
small  Newfoundland,  and  the  Irish  water  spaniel,  or  setter,  be- 
tween which  two  he  is  bred,  and  the  forms  of  which  he  partakes 
of  in  nearly  equal  proportions,  according  to  the  cross.  Hence  the 
modern  retriever  is  distinguished  as  either  the  curly-coated  or 
wavy-coated,  separate  classes  being  made  for  them  at  most  of  our 
shows,  and  sometimes  a  third  depending  on  color  alone. 

The  Wavy-coated  Retriever  has  a  head  like  that  of  a  heavy  setter, 
but  with  shorter  ears,  less  clothed  with  hair.  The  body  is  al- 
together larger  and  heavier,  the  limbs  stronger,  the  feet  less 
compact  than  those  of  the  setter,  while  the  gait  more  or  less 
resembles  in  its  peculiarities  that  of  the  Newfoundland.  The 
color  is  almost  always  black,  with  very  little  white ;  indeed, 
most  people  would  reject  a  retriever  of  this  kind,  if  accidentally 


THE   KETRIEVEB.  167 

of  any  other  color.  The  coat  is  slightly  wavy,  but  not  very  long 
or  curly;  and  the  legs  are  but  little  feathered.  The  hight  is 
usually  about  23  or  24  inches,  sometimes  slightly  more  or  less. 
This  dog  can  readily  be  made  to  set  and  back ;  and  he  will  also 
hunt  as  well  as  a  setter,  but  slowly,  and  lasting  for  a  short  time 
only. 

The  Curly-coated  Retriever  is  distinguished  by  having  the  whole 
body  covered  with  short  crisp  curls  like  those  of  the  Irish  water 
spaniel.  The  head  is  quite  free  from  these,  a  well-marked  line 
being  apparent  just  behind  the  ears.  Like  the  wavy-coated  dog 
he  should  have  a  long  deep  jaw,  and  with  the  exception  of  the 
coat  the  two  breeds  resemble  each  other  closely.  The  curly -coated 
dog  is  black  or  of  a  deep  liver  color,  without  white. 

The  Terrier  cross  is  either  with  the  beagle  or  the  pointer,  the 
former  being  that  which  I  have  chiefly  used  with  advantage,  and 
the  latter  being  recommended  by  Mr.  Colquhoun  in  his  "Lochs 
and  Moors."  He  gives  a  portrait  of  one  used  by  himself,  which 
he  says  was  excellent  in  all  respects ;  and,  from  so  good  a  sports- 
man, the  recommendation  is  deserving  of  all  credit.  This  do,* 
was  about  22  inches  high,  with  a  little  of  the  rough  coat  of  the 
Scotch  terrier,  combined  with  the  head  and  general  shape  of  the 
pointer.  The  sort  I  have  used  is,  I  believe,  descended  from  the 
smooth  white  English  terrier  and  the  true  old  beagle ;  the  nose 
and  style  of  hunting  proclaiming  the  hound  descent,  and  the 
voice  and  appearance  showing  the  preponderance  of  the  terrier 
cross.  These  dogs  are  small,  scarcely  ever  exceeding  10  Ibs.  in 
weight,  and  with  difficulty  lifting  a  hare,  so  that  they  are  not 
qualified  to  retrieve  "  fur  "  any  great  distance.  They  must,  there- 
fore,  be  followed  when  either  a  hare  or  pheasant  is  sought  to  be 
recovered.  They  are  mute  in  "  questing,"  and  very  quiet  in  their 
movements,  readily  keeping  at  heel,  and  backing  the  pointers 
steadily  while  they  are  "  down  charge,"  for  as  long  a  time  as  may 
be  required ;  and  when  they  go  to  their  game  they  make  no  noise, 
as  is  too  often  done  by  the  regular  retriever.  They  do  not  carry 
so  well  as  the  larger  dog,  but  in  all  other  respects  they  are  his 
equal,  or  perhaps  superior.  Owing  to  their  small  size  they  are  ad* 


168  CROSSED  BEEEDS. 

missible  to  the  house,  and  being  constant  companions  are  more 
easily  kept  under  command  ;  besides  which,  they  live  on  the  scraps 
of  the  house,  while  the  large  retriever  must  be  kept  tied  up  at  the 
keeper's,  and  costs  a  considerable  sum  to  pay  for  his  food. 


THE    BULL-TERRIER. 

Many  of  our  smooth  terriers  are  slightly  crossed  with  the  bull- 
dog, in  order  to  give  courage  to  bear  the  bites  of  the  vermin  which 
they  are  meant  to  attack.  When  thus  bred,  the  terrier  shows  no 
evidence  of  pain,  even  though  half  a  dozen  rats  are  hanging  on  to 
his  lips,  which  are  extremely  tender  parts  of  the  body,  and  where 
the  bite  of  a  mouse  even  will  make  a  badly  bred  dog  yell  with 
pain.  In  fact,  for  all  the  purposes  to  which  a  terrier  can  be  ap- 
plied, the  half  or  quarter  cross  with  the  bull,  commonly  known 
as  the  "bull-terrier"  or  "half-breed  dog,"  is  of  more  value  than 
either  of  the  purely  bred  progenitors.  Such  a  dog,  however,  to 
be  useful,  must  be  more  than  half  terrier,  or  he  will  be  too  heavy 
and  slow,  too  much  under-jawed  to  hold  well  with  his  teeth,  and 
too  little  under  command  to  obey  the  orders  of  his  master.  Some- 
times the  result  of  the  second  cross,  which  is  only  one  quarter 
bull,  shows  a  great  deal  of  the  shape  peculiar  to  that  side ;  and  it 
is  not  until  the  third  or  fourth  cross  that  the  terrier  shape  comes  out 
predominant.  This  is  all  a  matter  of  chance,  and  the  exact  reverse 
may  just  as  probably  happen,  although  the  terrier  was  quite  free 
from  the  stain  of  the  bull,  which  is  seldom  the  case.  This  may  account 
for  the  great  predominance  of  that  side  in  most  cases,  as  we  shall 
see  in  investigating  the  subject  of  breeding  for  the  kennel  in  the 
next  Book.  The  field  fox-terrier,  used  for  bolting  the  fox  when 
gone  to  ground,  was  of  this  breed.  So  also  is  the  fighting-dog  par 
excellence,  and,  indeed,  there  is  scarcely  any  task  to  which  a  dog  of 
his  size  may  be  set  that  he  will  not  execute  as  well  as,  or  better 
than,  most  others.  He  will  learn  tricks  with  the  poodle,  fetch  and 
carry  with  the  Newfoundland— take  water  with  that  dog,  though 


THE   BULL  TERRIER. 


169 


his  coat  will  not  suffer  him  to  remain  in  so  long, — hunt  with  the 
spaniel,  and  fight  "  till  all's  blue."  For  thorough  gameuess,  united 
with  obedience,  good  temper,  and  intelligence,  he  surpasses  any 
breed  in  existence. 

The  points  of  the  bull-terrier  vary  in  accordance  with  the  de- 
gree of  each  strain  in  the  specimen  examined.  There  should  not 
be  either  the  projection  of  the  under  jaw,  or  the  crooked  fore  legs, 
or  the  small  and  weak  hind-quarters ;  and  until  these  are  lost,  or 


Fig.   38. — BULL  TERRIER,   TARQUIN. 


nearly  so,  the  crossing  should  be  continued  on  the  terrier  side. 
The  perfect  bull-terrier  may,  therefore,  be  defined  as  the  terrier 
with  as  much  bull  as  can  be  combined  with  the  absence  of  the 
above  points,  and  showing  the  full  head  (not  of  course  equal  to 
that  of  the  bull),  the  strong  jaw,  the  well-developed  chest,  power- 
ful shoulders,  and  thin  fine  tail  of  the  bull-dog,  accompanied  by 
the  light  neck,  active  frame,  strong  loin,  and  fuller  proportions  of 
the  hind-quarter  of  the  terrier.  A  dog  of  this  kind  should  be  ca- 
8 


170 


CROSS8ED   BREEDS. 


pable  of  a  fast  pace,  and  will  stand  any  moderate  amount  of  road 
work.  The  Light  varies  from  10  inches  to  16,  or  even  20.  The 
color  most  admired  is  white,  either  pure  or  patched  with  black, 
blue,  red,  fawn,  or  brindle,  sometimes  black  and  tan,  or  self-colored 
red.  The  dog  whose  portrait  is  given,  is  Tarquin,  bred  and  owned 
by  Mr.  Vero  Shaw,  of  England.  ' 


BOOK   II. 

THE   BREEDING,    REARING,   BREAKING,   AND 

MANAGEMENT    OF    THE    DOG, 

IN-DOORS  AND   OUT. 


CHAPTER     I. 
BREEDING. 

PRINCIPLES  OF  BREEDING. — AXIOMS  FOR  THE  BREEDER'S  USB. — CROSSING 
AND  CROSSED  BREEDS. — IMPORTANCE  OF  HEALTH  IN  BOTH  SIRE  AND 

DAM BEST     AGES     TO     BREED    FROM. — IN-AND-IN    BREEDING. — BEST 

TIME  OF  YEAR.— DURATION  OF  HEAT.— MANAGEMENT  OF  THE  BITCH  IN 
SEASON.— THE  BITCH  IN  WHELP. — PREPARATIONS  FOR  WHELPING. — 
HEALTHY  PARTURITION. — DESTRUCTION  OR  CHOICE  OF  WHELPS  AT 
BIRTH. 

GENERAL    PRINCIPLES    OF    BREEDING. 

The  principles  upon  which  the  breeding  of  the  dog  should  be 
conducted  are  generally  in  accordance  with  those  necessary  for  the 
production  of  other  domestic  animals  of  the  class  L'anmalia, 
remembering  always  that  it  is  not  safe  to  argue  from  one  class 
of  animals  to  another,  because  their  habits  and  modes  of  propaga- 
tion vary  so  much  as  to  interfere  with  the  analogy.  Thus  as  the 
pigeon,  in  common  with  other  birds,  does  not  rear  her  young  with 
the  produce  of  her  own  body  to  the  same  comparative  size  as  most  of 
the  individuals  of  the  class  Mammalia,  the  mother  has  not  so  much 
more  to  do  with  the  process  than  the  father,  as  is  the  case  with  the 
bitch,  mare,  and  cow,  etc.,  where  the  quantity  and  quality  are  to 
be  taken  into  the  ca\culation.  Hence,  in  selecting  a  sire  and  dam 
for  breeding  purposes  among  dogs,  the  bitch  is  most  to  be  con- 
sidered for  many  reasons,  one  being  that  she  usually  continues  the 
property  of  the  breeder,  while  the  sire  can  be  changed  each  time 
she  breeds  ;  but  the  chief  argument  in  her  favor  is  founded  upon 
the  supposition  that  she  really  impresses  her  formation  upon  her 
progeny  more  than  the  dog  does.  This,  however,  is  a  vexed  ques- 
tion in  natural  history  as  well  as  in  practical  breeding,  but  from 
my  own  experience  I  think  this  is  true  of  the  bitch.  Many  horses 
173 


174  BREEDING. 

and  do^s  may  be  instanced  which  have  got  good  stock  from  all 
sorts  of  mares  and  bitches.  Yet  in  opposition  to  this  may  be 
instanced  the  numbers  which  have  had  great  opportunities  for 
snowing  their  good  qualities,  but  while  they  have  succeeded  with 
one  or  two  they  have  failed  with  the  larger  proportion  of  their 
harems.  So  with  mares  and  bitches,  some  have  produced,  every 
year  of  their  breeding  lives,  one  or  more  splendid  examples  of 
their  respective  kinds,  altogether  independent  of  the  horse  or  dog 
which  may  be  the  other  parent,  so  long  as  he  is  of  the  proper 
strain.  It  is  usually  supposed  that  the  sire  impresses  his  ex- 
ternal formation  upon  his  stock,  while  the  bitch's  nervous  tem- 
perament is  handed  down ;  and  very  probably  there  is  some  truth 
in  the  hypothesis.  Yet  it  is  clearer  that  not  only  do  the  sire 
and  dam,  but  also  the  grandsires  and  grand-dams  affect  the  pro- 
geny on  both  sides,  and  still  further  than  this  up  to  the  sixth  and 
perhaps  even  the  seventh  generations,  but  more  especially  on  the 
dam's  side,  through  the  granddam,  great  granddam,  etc.  There  is 
a  remarkable  fact  connected  with  breeding  which  should  be  gen- 
erally known,  viz.,  that  there  is  a  tendency  in  the  produce  to 
a  separation  between  the  different  strains  of  which  it  is  com- 
posed ;  so  that  a  puppy  composed  in  four  equal  proportions  of 
breeds  represented  by  A,  B,  c,  and  D,  will  not  represent  all  in  equal 
proportions,  but  will  resemble  one  much  more  than  the  others.  And 
this  is  still  more  clear  in  relation  to  the  next  step  backwards,  when 
there  are  eight  progenitors ;  and  the  litter  which,  for  argument's 
sake,  we  will  suppose  to  be  eight  in  number,  may  consist  of  ani- 
mals each  "  going  back  "  to  one  or  other  of  the  above  eight.  This 
accounts  for  the  fact  that  a  smooth  terrier  bitch  put  to  a  smooth 
terrier  will  often  "  throw  "  one  or  more  rough  puppies,  though  the 
breed  may  be  traced  as  purely  smooth  for  two  or  three  genera- 
tions, beyond  which,  however, there  must  have  been  across  of  the 
rough  dog.  In  the  same  way  color  and  particular  marks  will  be 
changed  or  obliterated  for  one,  two,  or  even  three  generations, 
and  will  then  reappear.  In  most  breeds  of  the  dog  this  is  not 
easily  proved,  because  a  record  of  the  various  crosses  is  not  kept 
with  any  great  care ;  but  in  the  greyhound  the  breed,  with  the 


175 

colors,  etc.,  for  twenty  generations,  is  often  known,  and  then  the 
evidence  of  the  truth  of  these  facts  is  patent  to  all.  Among  these 
dogs  there  is  a  well-known  strain  descended  from  a  greyhound 
with  a  peculiar  nose,  known  as  the  "Parrot-nosed  bitch."  About 
the  year  1825  she  was  put  to  a  celebrated  dog  called  "  Streamer," 
and  bred  a  bitch  called  "  Ruby,"  none  of  the  litter  showing  this 
peculiar  nose  ;  nor  did  "  Ruby  "  herself  breed  any  in  her  first  two 
litters  ;  but  in  her  third,  by  a  dog  called  "  Blackbird,"  belonging 
to  Mr.  Hodgkinson,  two  puppies  showed  the  nose  ("Blackbird" 
and  <l  Starling  ").  In  the  same  litter  was  a  most  celebrated-  bitch, 
known  as  "  Old  Linnet,"  from  which  are  descended  a  great  num- 
ber of  first-rate  greyhounds.  In  these,  however,  this  peculiarity 
has  never  appeared,  with  two  exceptions,  namely,  once  in  the  third 
generation,  and  once  in  the  fifth,  in  a  dog  called  "  Lollypop,"  bred 
by  Mr.  Thomas,  of  Macclesfield,  the  possessor  of  the  whole  strain. 
One  of  the  bitches  of  this  breed  is  also  remarkable  for  having  al- 
ways one  blue  puppy  in  each  litter,  though  the  color  is  otherwise 
absent,  never  having  been  seen  since  the  time  of  the  above  men- 
tioned "  Ruby,"  who  was  a  blue  bitch.  These  facts  are  very  re- 
markable as  showing  the  tendency  to  "throw  back"  for  genera- 
tions, but,  as  they  are  well  known  and  fully  recognized  by  all 
breeders,  it  is  unnecessary  to  dilate  upon  them,  and  the  above 
instances  are  only  introduced  as  absolutely  proving  to  the  uniniti- 
ated what  would  otherwise  depend  upon  dogmatic  assertion. 


AXIOMS    FOR    THE    BREEDER'S    USE. 

But  it  may  be  asked, — What  then  are  the  principles  upon  which 
breeding  is  to  be  conducted  ?  To  this,  in  many  of  the  details,  no 
answer  can  be  given  which  can  be  relied  on  with  certainty. 
Nevertheless,  there  are  certain  broad  landmarks  established  which 
afford  some  assistance,  and  these  shall  be  given,  taking  care  to 
avoid  all  rules  which  are  not  clearly  established  by  general 
consent. 


176  BREEDING. 

1.  The  male  and  female  each  furnish  their  quota  towards  the 
original  germ  of  the  offspring ;  but  the  female,  over  and  above 
this,  nourishes  it  until  it  is  born,  and  consequently  may  be  sup- 
posed to  have  more  influence  upon  its  formation  than  the  male. 

2.  Natural  conformation  is  transmitted  by  both  parents  as  a 
general  law,  and  likewise  any  acquired  or  accidental  variation. 
It  may  therefore  be  said  that,  on  both  sides,  "like  produces  like." 

3.  In  proportion  to  the  purity  of  the  breed,  will  it  be  transmit- 
ted unchanged  to  the  offspring.     Thus  a  greyhound  bitch  of  pure 
blood  put  to  a  mongrel,  will  produce  puppies  more  nearly  resem- 
bling her  shape  than  that  of  the  father. 

4.  Breeding  in-and-in  is  not  injurious  to  the  dog,  as  may  be 
proved  both  from  theory  and  practice.     Indeed  it  appears,  on  the 
contrary,  to  be  very  advantageous  in  many  well-marked  instances 
of  the  greyhound,  which  have  of  late  years  appeared  in  public. 

5.  As  every  dog  is  a  compound  animal,  made  up  of  a  sire  and 
dam,  and  also  their  sires  and  dams,  etc. ;  so,  unless  there  is  much 
breeding  in  and-in,  it  may  be  said  that  it  is  impossible  to  foretell 
with  absolute  certainty  what  particular  result  will  be  elicited. 

6.  The  first  impregnation  appears  to  produce  some  effect  upon 
the  next  and  subsequent  ones.     It  is  therefore  necessary  to  take 
care  that  the  effect  of  the  cross  in  question  is  not  neutralized  by 
a  prior  and  bad  impregnation.     This  fact  has  been  so  fully  estab- 
lished by  Sir  John  Sobright  and  others,  that  it  is  needless  to  go 
into  its  proofs. 

By  these  general  laws  on  the  subject  of  breeding,  we  must  be 
guided  in  the  selection  of  the  dog  and  bitch  from  which  a  litter  is 
to  be  obtained,  always  taking  care  that  both  are  as  far  as  possible 
remarkable,  not  only  for  the  bodily  shape,  but  for  the  qualities  of 
the  brain  and  nervous  system,  which  are  desired.  Tims,  in  breed- 
ing the  pointer,  select  a  good-looking  sire  and  dam  by  ail  means, 
but  also  ascertain  that  they  were  good  in  the  field ;  that  is,  that 
they  possessed  good  noses,  worked  well,  were  stout,  and  if  they 
were  also  perfectly  broken,  so  much  the  better.  So,  again,  in 
breeding  hounds,  care  must  be  taken  that  the  animals  chosen  are 
Shaped  as  a  hound  should  be ;  but  they  should  also  have  as  many 


AXIOMS    FOB   THE    BKJSEDEli's    USE.  177 

of  the  good  hunting  qualities,  and  as  few  of  the  vices  of  that  kind 
of  dog ;  and  if  these  points  are  not  attended  to,  the  result  is  not 
often  good. 

To  secure  these  several  results,  the  pedigrees  of  the  dog  and  bitch 
are  carefully  scanned  by  those  who  are  particular  in  these  matters, 
because  then  assurance  is  given  that  the  ancestor?,  as  far  as  they 
can  be  traced,  possessed  all  those  qualifications,  without  which 
their  owners  would  not  in  all  human  probability  retain  them. 
Hence  a  poi.itcr,  if  proved  to  be  descended  from  a  dog  and  bitch 
belonging  to  Lord  Scfton,  Lord  Lichfield,  or  any  well-known 
breeder  of  this  dog  in  the  present  day,  or  from  Sir  H.  Goodrich, 
Mr.  Moore  or  Mr.  Edge,  so  celebrated  for  their  breeds  some  years 
ago,  would  be  valued  more  highly  than  another  without  any 
pedigree  at  all,  though  the  latter  might  be  superior  in  shape, 
and  might  perform  equally  well  in  the  field.  The  impor- 
tance of  pedigree  is  becoming  more  fully  recognized  every 
year,  and  experienced  breeders  generally  refuse  to  have  any- 
thing to  do  with  cither  dog  or  bitch  for  this  particular  pur- 
pose, unless  they  can  trace  the  pedigree  to  ancestors  belonging  to 
parties  who  were  known  to  be  themselves  careful  in  their  selections. 
In  most  cases,  this  is  all  that  is  attempted,  especially  in  pointers, 
setters,  spaniels,  etc.,  but  in  greyhounds  and  foxhounds  of  first- 
class  blood,  the  genealogy  may  generally  be  traced  through  half  a 
dozen  kennels  of  known  and  established  reputation ;  and  this 
same  attention  to  breed  ought  to  prevail  in  all  the  varieties  of  the 
dog  whose  performances  are  of  importance,  and  indeed  without  H 
the  reproduction  of  a  particular  shape  and  make  cannot  with  any- 
thing like  certainty  be  depended  on.  Hence  the  breeders  of  the 
valuable  toy  dogs,  such  as  King  Charles  spaniels,  Itah  n  grey- 
hounds, etc.,  are  as  careful  as  they  need  be,  having  found  out  by 
experience  that  without  this  attention  they  are  constantly  dis- 
appointed. 


1 78  BREEDING. 

IMPORTANCE  OF  HEALTH  IN  BOTH  SIRE  AND  DAM. 

Health  in  both  parents  should  be  especially  insisted  upon,  and 
in  the  bitch  in  particular  there  should  be  a  sufficiently  strong  con- 
stitution, to  enable  her  to  sustain  the  growth  of  her  puppies  before 
birth,  and  to  produce  milk  enough  for  them  afterwards,  though  in 
this  last  particular  she  may  of  course  be  assisted  by  a  foster-nurse. 


BEST  AGE  TO  BREED  FROM. 

The  best  age  to  breed  from,  in  almost  all  breeds,  is  soon  after  the 
sire  and  dam  have  reached  maturity.  When,  however,  the  pro- 
duce is  desired  to  be  very  small,  the  older  both  animals  are,  the 
more  likely  this  result  is,  excepting  in  the  last  litter  which  the 
bitch  has,  for  this  being  composed  of  only  one  or  two  puppies,  they 
are  not  smaller  than  the  average,  and  are  sometimes  even  larger. 
All  bitches  should  be  allowed  to  reach  full  maturity  before  they 
are  permitted  to  breed,  and  this  period  varies  according  to  size,  small 
dogs  being  adult  at  one  year,  whereas  large  ones  are  still  in  their 
puppyhood  at  that  time,  and  take  fully  twice  as  long  to  develop 
their  proportions.  The  mastiff  is  barely  full  grown  at  two  years, 
large  hounds  at  a  year  and  a  half,  greyhounds  at  the  same  time, 
pointers  and  setters  from  a  year  and  a  quarter  to  a  year  and  a 
half,  while  terriers  and  small  toy  dogs  reach  maturity  at  a  year 
old,  or  even  earlier. 


IN-AND-IN  BREEDING. 

The  questions  relating  to  in-and-in  breeding  and  crossing  are  of 
the  greatest  importance,  each  plan  being  strongly  advocated  by 
some  people,  and  by  others  as  strenuously  opposed.  Like  many 
other  practices  essentially  good,  in-breeding  has  been  grossly 
abused.  Owners  of  a  good  kennel  having  become  bigoted  to  their 
own  strain,  and,  from  keeping  to  it  exclusively,  having  at  length 


IN-AND-IN    BREEDING.  17D 

reducod  their  dogs  to  a  state  of  idiotcy  and  delicacy  of  constitu- 
tion which  has  rendered  them  quite  useless.  Thus  I  have  seen  in 
the  course  of  twenty  years  a  most  valuable  breed  of  pointers,  by  a 
persistence  in  avoiding  any  cross,  become  so  full  of  excitability 
that  they  were  perpetually  at  "  a  false  point,"  and  backing  one 
another  at  the  same  time  without  game  near  them;  and,  what  is 
worse,  they  could  not  be  stirred  from  their  position.  This  last 
was  from  a  want  of  mental  capacity,  for  it  is  by  their  reasoning 
powers  that  these  clogs  find  out  when  they  have  made  a  mistake, 
and  without  a  good  knowledge-box  the  pointer  and  setter  are  for 
this  reason  quite  useless.  Bat  the  breed  I  allude  to,  wben  once 
they  had  become  stiff,  were  like  Chinese  idols,  and  must  be  abso- 
lutely kicked  or  whipped  up  in  order  to  make  them  start  off  beat- 
ing again.  Mr.  A.  Graham,  who  has  had  a  long  experience  in 
in-breeding  greyhounds,  and  was  at  one  time  so  successful  as  to 
obtain  the  name  of  the  "  Emperor  of  Coursers,"  has  laid  down  the 
rule  that  "  once  in  and  twice  out "  is  the  proper  extent  to  which 
breeding  in  the  greyhound  should  be  carried,  and  probably  the 
same  will  apply  to  other  breeds.  Sometimes  a  sister  may  be  put  to  a 
brother  even,  when  there  has  bren  no  previous  relationship  in  their 
sire  and  dam ;  but  though  this  has  answered  well  two  or  three 
times,  it  is  not  to  be  generally  recommended.  A  father  may 
in  preference  be  put  to  a  daughter,  because  there  is  only  half  the 
same  blood  in  them,  when  the  sire  and  dam  of  the  latter  are  not 
related ;  or  an  uncle  to  a  niece ;  but  the  best  plan  is  to  obtain  a  dog 
which  has  some  considerable  portion  of  the  same  blood  as  the 
bitch,  but  separated  by  one  or  two  crosses  ;  that  is  to  say,  to  put 
two  animals  together  whose  grandfathers  or  great-grandfathers 
were  brothers,  but  whose  mothers  and  grandmothers  were  not  re- 
lated  to  each  other.  This  relationship  will  do  equally  well  on  the 
dam's  side,  and  the  grandmother  may  be  sister  to  the  grandsire, 
quite  as  well  as  having  the  two  grandsires  brothers.  The  practice 
of  breeding-in  to  this  extent  has  been  extensively  adopted  of  late 
years,  and  has  answered  well  with  the  greyhound,  in  which  breeds 
as  used  for  public  coursing,  the  names  of  "  Harriet  Wilson," 
"Hour-glass,"  u  Screw,"  "  Sparrowhawk,"  "  Vraye  Foy,""Mot 


ISO  BREEDING. 

ley,"  "  Miss  Hannah,"  and  "  Rival  "  speak  volumes  in  its  approba- 
tion, all  being  in-bred  and  all  wonderfully  successful.  The  last- 
named  bitch  is  a  remarkable  instance,  being  by  a  half-brother  out 
of  a  half-sister,  and  yet  continuing  honest  up  to  her  sixth  season, 
when  she  broke  a  toe  in  running  the  last  course  but  one  in  a  large 
stake  at  Ashdown.  In  her  case,  too,  the  blood  of  the  dam  was 
somewhat  notorious  for  a  tendency  to  run  cunning;  and,  indeed, 
the  same  might  be  said  of  nearly  all  the  strains  of  which  she  was 
composed ;  nevertheless,  throughout  her  career  she  was  entirely 
free  from  this  vice,  and  "eft  off  without  a  stain.  She  has,  how- 
ever, unfortunately  refused  to  breed ;  but  as  I  have  never  known 
this  peculiarity  cor.fi .:cd  to  in-bred  bitches,  I  do  not  allege  the  fact 
as  arising  from  her  close  in-breeding.  Thus  I  have  shown  that  in 
practice,  in-and-in  breeding,  within  certain  bounds,  is  not  only  not 
prejudicial,  but  absolutely  advantageous,  inasmuch  as  it  does  not 
injure  the  nervous  temperament  and  mental  qualities  of  the  pro- 
duce ;  and  that  the  body  does  not  suffer  is  a  well-known  fact, 
easily  capable  of  proof  by  examining  the  external  forms  of  the 
dogs  so  bred.  Theoretically,  also,  it  ought  to  answer,  because  we 
find  in  nature  gregarious  wild  animals  resorting  to  in-breeding  in 
all  cases,  the  stag  adding  his  daughters  to  his  harem  as  long  as 
he  has  strength  enough  to  beat  off  his  younger  rivals.  In  the 
same  way  the  bull  and  the  stallion  fight  for  supremacy,  until  at 
length  from  age  or  accident  they  are  beaten  off,  and  a  younger 
and  more  vigorous  animal  masters  them  and  their  female  attend- 
ants. Yet  this  appears  to  be  Nature's  mode  of  insuring  a  superior 
stock,  and  preventing  the  degeneration  which  occurs  among 
human  beings,  when  a  feeble  pair  take  upon  themselves  the  task 
of  producing  a  family.  It  would  appear  that  man  is  an  exception 
to  the  general  rule,  for  there  is  a  special  revelation  prohibiting  in- 
termarriages, while  we  find  them  constantly  going  on  among 
brutes,  and  especially,  as  above  remarked,  among  gregarious  ani- 
mals. Hence  it  should  not  lead  us  to  reason  by  analogy  from  one 
to  the  other,  nor  because  we  find  that  first  cousins  among  our  own 
race  are  apt  to  produce  defective  children,  bodily  and  mentally, 
should  we  conclude  that  the  same  evil  results  will  occur  when  we 


BEST   TIME    OF   YEAR.  18'i 

breed  from  dogs  or  horses  having  the  same  degree  of  relationship 
to  their  mates.  At  the  same  time,  when  all  that  can  be  desired  is 
obtainable  without  in-breeding,  I  should  be  inclined  to  avoid  it; 
always  taking  care  to  resort  to  it  when  it  is  desired  to  recover  a 
particular  strain,  which  is  becoming  merged  in  some  other  pre- 
dominant blood.  Then  by  obtaining  an  animal  bred  as  purely  as 
possible  to  the  desired  strain,  and  putting  him  or  her  to  your  own, 
it  may  be  expected  that  the  produce  will  "  go  back  "  to  this  par- 
ticular ancestry,  and  will  resemble  them  more  than  any  other. 


BEST   TIME   OF   YEAR. 

The  best  time  of  the  year  for  breeding  dogs  is  from  April  to 
September,  inasmuch  as  in  the  cold  of  winter  the  puppies  are  apt 
to  become  chilled,  whereby  their  growth  is  stopped,  and  some 
disease  very  often  developed.  Among  public  greyhounds  there  is 
a  particular  reason  for  selecting  an  earlier  period  of  the  year, 
because  as  their  age  is  reckoned  from  the  1st  of  January,  and  as 
they  are  wanted  to  run  as  saplings  or  puppies,  which  are  defined 
by  their  age,  the  earlier  thsy  are  born,  the  more  chance  they  have 
in  competition  with  their  fellows  of  the  same  year.  Hounds  and 
game  dogs  are  wanted  to  begin  work  in  the  autumn,  and  as  they 
do  not  come  to  maturity  until  after  they  are  a  year  old,  they 
should  be  whelped  in  the  spring.  This  is  more  especially  the  case 
with  pointers  and  setters,  which  are  then  old  enough  to  have  their 
education  nearly  completed  at  "  pairing  time,"  in  the  spring  of 
the  next  year,  when  only  their  breaking  can  properly  be  carried 
on,  as  birds  then  lie  like  stones,  and  allow  the  dog  to  be  reached 
and  properly  kept  under  by  his  breaker.  Toy  dogs  and  all  small 
dogs,  which  are  reared  in  the  house,  may  be  bred  almost  at  any 
time  of  the  year ;  but  even  they  are  stronger  and  healthier  if  born 
in  the  summer  months,  because  the  puppies  may  then  be  supposed 
to  get  more  air  and  sun  than  they  could  do  in  the  winter,  when 
the  warmth  of  the  fire  is  essential  to  their  well-doing. 


182  BREEDING. 

DURATION    OF    HEAT. 

The  duration  of  the  period  of  heat  in  the  bitch  is  about  three 
Vvveks,  during  the  middle  week  of  which  she  will  generally  take 
tao  dog ;  but  about  the  eleventh  or  twelfth  day  from  the  first 
Cv/iiiiifencemeut  is,  on  the  average,  the  best  time  to  bring  her  to  him. 
Lyuruig  the  first  tnree  or  four  days  of  the  middle  week  the  bitch 
'  .viccds  "  considerably  from  the  vulva,  and  while  this  is  going 
on  s^e  should  not  have  access  to  the  male,  nor  will  she  gen- 
erally, if  left  to  herself.  But  as  soon  as  it  subsides,  no  time  should 
be  lost,  as  it  often  happens  that  very  shortly  afterwards  she  will 
refuse  him  altogether,  and  thus  a  whole  year  may  be  lost.  Most 
bitches  are  "  in  heat "  twice  a  year,  at  equal  periods ;  some  every 
five,  or  even  every  four,  months ;  others  every  seven,  eight,  nine, 
ten,  eleven,  or  twelve  months;  but  the  far  greater  proportion  of 
bitches  of  all  breeds  are  "  in  season  "  twice  a  year  pretty  regularly. 
There  is,  therefore,  a  necessity  for  ascertaining  the  rule  in  each 
bitch,  as  it  varies  so  considerably;  for,  when  it  is  known,  the  cal- 
culation can  better  be  made  as  to  the  probability  of  the  heat  re- 
turning at  the  desired  time.  The  period  between  the  first  and 
second  "  heats"  will  generally  indicate  the  length  of  the  succeed- 
ing ones ;  but  this  is  not  invariable,  as  the  "  putting  by "  of  the 
animal  will  sometimes  throw  her  out  of  her  regular  course. 


MANAGEMENT  OF  THE  BITCH  IN  SEASON. 

When  bitches  are  not  intended  to  breed,  they  are  carefully  "  put 
by,"  that  is  to  say,  they  are  secluded  from  the  dog,  and  during 
that  time  they  are  in  great  measure  deprived  of  their  usual  exer- 
cise. From  this  circumstance  they  are  very  apt  to  get  out  of 
health,  and  some  injury  is  thereby  done  to  their  offspring  as  well  as 
themselves.  At  this  time,  from  their  general  feverishness,  as  well 
as  from  their  deprivation  of  exercise,  they  ought  to  be  kept 
rather  lower  than  usual,  and  very  little  meat  should  be  given. 
Blops  and  vegetables,  mixed  with  biscuit  or  oatmeal,  form  the 


MANAGEMENT    OF   THE    BITCH    IN   WHELP.  183 

most  suitable  diet;  but,  if  the  bitch  has  been  accustomed  to  a 
great  deal  of  flesh,  it  will  not  do  t  j  deprive  her  of  it  altogether. 
Bearing  in  mind  then  tuis  caution,  it  is  only  necessary  to  remem- 
ber that  she  must  be  lowered  in  condition,  but  not  so  starved  as  to 
sutfor  by  tae  sudden  change.  After  the  end  of  the  period,  a 
little  cooliug  medicine  will  often  be  required,  consisting  of  a  dose 
of  oil  or  salts. 


MANAGEMENT  OF  THE  BITCH  IN  WHELP. 

When  it  is  clearly  ascertained  that  the  bitch  is  in  whelp,  the 
exercise  should  be  increased  and  carried  on  freely  until  the  sixth 
•week,  after  which  it  should  be  daily  given,  but  with  care  to  avoid 
strains  either  in  galloping  or  jumping.  A  valuable  bitch  is  often 
led  during  the  last  week,  but  some  way  or  other  she  should  have 
walking  exercise  to  the  last,  by  which  in  great  measure  all  neces- 
sity for  opening  medicine  will  be  avoided.  During  the  last  few 
weeks  her  food  should  be  regulated  by  her  condition,  which  must 
be  raised  if  she  is  too  low,  or  the  reverse  if  she  is  too  fat,  the  de- 
sired medium  being  such  a  state  as  is  compatible  with  high  health, 
and  not  tending  towards  exhaustion  or  inflammation.  Exces- 
sive fat  in  a  bitch  not  only  interferes  with  the  birth  of  the  pups, 
but  also  is  very  liable  to  interfere  with  the  secretion  of  milk,  and, 
if  this  last  does  occur,  it  aggravates  the  attendant  or  "  milk  "  fever. 
To  know  by  the  eye  and  hand  how  to  fix  upon  this  proper  stan- 
dard, it  is  only  necessary  to  feel  the  ribs,  when  they  should  at 
once  be  apparent  to  the  hand,  rolling  loosely  under  it,  but  not  evi- 
dent to  the  eye  so  as  to  count  them.  It  is  better  to  separate  the 
bitch  from  other  dogs  during  the  last  week  or  ten  days,  as  she 
then  becomes  restless,  and  is  instinctively  and  constantly  looking 
for  a  place  to  whelp  in,  whereas,  if  she  is  prevented  from  occupy- 
ing any  desirable  corner  she  is  uneasy.  At  this  time  the  food 
should  be  of  a  very  sloppy  nature,  chiefly  composed  of  broth,  or 
milk  and  bread,  adding  oatmeal  according  to  the  state  of  the 
bowels. 


BREEDING. 
PREPARATION  FOR  WHELPING. 

The  best  mode  of  preparing  a  place  for  the  bitch  to  whelp  in  is 
lo  nail  a  piece  of  old  carpet  over  a  smooth  boarded  floor,  to  a 
regular  "  bench,"  if  in  a  sporting  kennel ;  or  on  a  door  or  other 
flat  piece  of  board  raised  a  few  inches  from  the  ground,  if  for  any 
otaer  breed.  When  a  regular  wooden  box  or  kennel,  as  these  are 
called  in  ordinary  language,  is  used  for  the  bitch,  she  may  as  well 
continue  to  occupy  it,  as  she  will  be  more  contented  than  in  a 
fresh  place ;  but  it  is  not  so  easy  to  get  at  her  there  if  anything 
goes  wrong  with  either  mother  or  whelps,  and  on  that  account  it 
is  not  a  desirable  place.  A  board,  large  or  small,  according  to  the 
size  of  the  bitch,  with  a  raised  edge  to  prevent  the  puppies  roll- 
ing off,  and  supported  by  bricks  a  few  inches  from  the  ground,  is 
all  that  is  required  for  the  most  valuable  animal ;  and  if  a  piece  of 
cirpet,  as  before  mentioned,  is  tacked  upon  this,  and  some  straw 
placed  upon  all,  the  hight  of  comfort  is  afforded  to  both  mother 
and  offspring.  The  use  of  the  carpet  is  to  allow  the  puppies  to 
catch  their  claws  in  it  as  they  are  working  at  the  mothers  teats ; 
for  without  it  they  slip  over  the  board,  and  they  are  restless,  and 
unable  to  fill  themselves  well ;  while  at  the  same  time  they  scratch 
all  the  straw  away,  and  are  left  bare  and  cold. 


HEALTHY  PARTURITION. 

During  whelping,  the  only  management  required  is  in  regard  to 
food  and  quiet,  which  last  should  as  far  as  possible  be  enjoined,  as 
at  this  time  all  bitches  are  watchful  and  suspicious,  and  will  de- 
stroy their  young  if  they  are  at  all  interfered  with,  especially  by 
strangers.  While  the  process  of  labor  is  going  on  no  food  is  re- 
quired, unless  it  is  delayed  in  an  unnatural  manner,  when  the  ne- 
cessary steps  will  be  found  described  in  the  Third  Book.  After  it 
is  completed,  some  lukewarm  gruel,  made  with  half  milk  and  half 
water,  should  be  given,  and  repeated  at  intervals  of  two  or  three 
hours.  Nothing  cold  is  to  be  allowed  for  the  first  two  or  three 


HEALTHY   PARTURITION,   ETC.  185 

days,  unless  it  is  in  the  bight  of  summer,  when  these  precautions 
are  unnecessary,  as  the  ordinary  temperature  is  generally  between 
60°  and  70°  of  Fahrenheit.  If  milk  is  not  easily  had,  broth  will 
do  nearly  as  well,  thickening  it  with  oatmeal,  which  should  be 
well  boiled  in  it.  This  food  is  continued  until  the  secretion  of 
milk  is  fully  established,  when  a  more  generous  diet  is  gradually 
to  be  allowed,  consisting  of  sloppy  food,  together  with  an  allow- 
ance of  meat  somewhat  greater  than  that  to  which  she  has  been 
accustomed.  This  last  is  the  best  rule,  for  it  will  be  found  that  no 
other  useful  on j  can  be  given  ;  taose  bitches  which  have  been  pre- 
viously accustomed  to  a  flesh  diet  sinking  away  if  they  do  not 
have  it  at  tuis  tune,  when  the  demands  of  the  puppies  for  milk 
dram  the  system  considerably  ;  and  those  which  have  not  been 
used  to  it  being  rendered  feverish  and  dyspeptic  if  they  have  an 
inordinate  allowance  of  it.  A  bitch  in  good  health,  and  neither 
over-reduced  by  starvation  nor  made  too  fat  by  excessive  feeding, 
will  rarely  give  any  trouble  at  this  time ;  but,  in  either  of  these 
conditions,  it  may  happen  that  the  secretion  fails  to  be  established. 
(For  the  proper  remedies  see  Parturition,  in  Book  III.)  From  the 
first  day  the  bitch  should  be  encouraged  to  leave  her  puppies  twice 
or  thrice  daily  to  empty  herself,  which  some,  in  their  excessive 
fondness  for  their  new  charge,  are  apt  to  neglect.  When  the  milk 
is  thoroughly  established,  they  should  be  regularly  exercised  for 
an  hour  a  day,  which  increases  the  secretion  of  milk,  and  indeed 
will  often  bring  it  on.  After  the  second  week,  bitches  will  always 
be  delighted  to  leave  their  puppies  for  an  hour  or  two  at  a  time, 
and  will  exercise  themselves  if  allowed  to  escape  from  them.  The 
best  food  for  a  suckling  bitch  is  strong  broth,  with  a  fair  pro- 
portion of  bread  and  flesh,  or  bread  and  milk,  according  to  their 
habits. 


DESTRUCTION  OR  CHOICE  OF  WHELPS  AT  BIRTH. 

Sometimes  it  is  desirable  to  destroy  all  the  whelps  as  soon  as 
possible  after  birth,  but  this  ought  very  seldom  to  be  done,  as  La 


186  BREEDING. 

all  cases  it  is  better  to  keep  one  or  two  sucking  for  a  short  time,  to 
prevent  milk  fever,  and  from  motives  of  humanity  also.  If,  how- 
ever, it  is  decided  to  destroy  all  at  once,  take  them  away  as  fast  as 
they  are  born,  leaving  only  one  with  the  mother  to  engage  her  at- 
tention, and  when  all  are  born,  remove  the  last  before  she  has 
become  used  to  it,  by  which  plan  less  cruelty  is  practised  than  if 
she  is  permitted  to  attach  herself  to  her  offspring.  Low  diet  and 
a  dose  or  two  of  mild  aperient  medicine,  with  moderate  exercise, 
will  be  required  to  guard  against  fever,  but  at  best  it  is  a  bad 
business,  and  can  only  be  justified  under  extraordinary  circum- 
stances. 


CHAPTER  II. 
REARING. 

MANAGEMENT  IN  THE  NEST.— CHOOSING.— THE  FOSTER  NURSE.— FEEDING 
BEFORE  WEANING. — CHOICE  OF  PLACE  FOR  WHELPING. — REMOVAL  OF 
DEW-CLAWS,  ETC. — WEANING.  — LODGING.  — FEEDING.  — EXERCISE. — 
HOME  REARING^.  WALKING. — FOOD. — GENERAL  MANAGEMENT. — CROP- 
PING, BRANDING,  AND  ROUNDING. 

THE  MANAGEMENT  OF  WHELPS  IN  THE  NEST. 

Until  weaned,  the  management  of  dogs  does  not  require  much 
care  beyond  the  feeding  of  the  mother,  and  the  necessity  for  re- 
moving a  part  when  the  numbers  are  too  great  for  her  strength 
to  support.  For  the  first  fortnight,  at  least,  puppies  are  entirely 
dependent  upon  the  milk  of  their  dam  or  a  foster-nurse,  unless 
they  are  brought  up  by  hand,  which  is  a  most  troublesome  office, 
and  attended  also  with  considerable  risk.  Sometimes,  however, 
the  bitch  produces  twelve,  fourteen,  or  even  sixteen  whelps,  and 
these  being  far  beyond  her  powers  to  suckle  properly,  either  the 
weak  ones  die  off,  or  the  whole  are  impoverished,  and  rendered 
small  and  puny.  It  is  better,  therefore,  especially  when  size  and 
strength  are  objects  to  the  breeder,  to  destroy  a  part  of  the  litter, 
when  there  are  more  than  five  or  six  in  the  greyhound,  or  seven  or 
eight  in  the  hound  or  other  dog  of  that  size.  In  toy  dogs  a  small 
size  is  sometimes  a  desideratum,  and  with  them,  if  the  strength  of 
the  dam  is  equal  to  the  dram,  which  it  seldom  is,  almost  any  num. 
ber  may  be  kept  on  her.  For  the  first  three  or  four  a  ays,  the  bitch 
will  be  able  to  suckle  her  whole  litter ;  but  if  there  are  more  pup- 
pies than  she  has  good  teats,  that  is,  teats  with  milk  in  them,  the 
weak  ones  are  starved,  unless  the  strong  ones  are  kept  away  m 
order  to  allow  them  access,  so  as  to  fill  themselves  in  their  turn. 
To  manage  this,  a  covered  basket,  lined  with  wool  if  the  weather 
187 


188  REARING. 

is  at  all  cold,  should  be  provided ;  and  in  this  one-third  or  one- 
half  of  the  puppies  should  be  kept,  close  to  the  mother,  to  prevent 
either  from  being  uneasy,  with  the  lid  fastened  down  or  she  will 
take  them  out  in  her  mouth.  Every  two  or  three  hours  a  fresh 
lot  should  be  exchanged  for  those  in  the  basket,  first  letting  them 
fill  themselves,  when  they  will  go  to  sleep  and  remain  contented 
for  the  time  fixed  above,  thus  allowing  each  lot  in  its  turn  to  fill 
itself  regularly.  At  the  end  of  ten  days,  by  introducing  a  little 
sweetened  cow's  milk  on  the  end  of  the  finger  into  their  mouths, 
and  dipping  their  noses  in  a  saucer  containing  it,  they  learn  to  lap. 
After  this  there  will  be  little  difficulty  in  rearing  even  a  dozen ; 
but  they  will  not,  however  carefully  they  may  be  fed,  be  as  large 
as  if  only  a  small  number  were  left  on  her.  Therefore  grey- 
hound breeders  limit  their  litters  to  five,  six,  or  at  most  seven ; 
destroying  the  remainder,  or  rearing  them  with  a  foster-nurse. 


CHOICE  OF  WHELPS. 

In  choosing  the  whelps  in  the  nest  which  are  to  be  kept,  most 
people  select  on  different  principles,  each  having  some  peculiar 
crotchet  to  guide  himself.  Some  take  the  heaviest,  some  the  last 
born ;  others  the  longest  of  the  litter;  while  others  again  are  en- 
tirely guided  by  color.  In  toy  dogs,  and  those  whose  appearance 
is  an  important  element,  color  ought  to  be  allowed  all  the  weight 
it  deserves,  and  among  certain  toy  dogs,  the  value  is  often  affected 
a  hundred  per  cent,  by  a  slight  variation  in  the  markings.  So  also 
among  pointers  aiid  setters,  a  dog  with  a  good  deal  of  white  should 
be  preferred,  on  the  score  of  greater  utility  in  the  field,  to  another 
self-colored  puppy  which  might  otherwise  be  superior  in  all  re- 
spects. Hounds  and  greyhounds  are  however  chosen  for  shape  and 
make,  and  though  this  is  not  the  same  at  birth  as  in  after  life,  still 
there  are  certain  indications  which  are  not  to  be  despised.  Among 
these  the  shoulders  are  more  visible  than  any  others,  and  if  on 
iif  ting  up  a  puppy  by  the  tail,  he  puts  his  forelegs  back  beyond  his 


THE    FOSTER   NURSE.  189 

ears,  it  may  be  surmised  that  there  will  be  no  fanlt  in  his  shape  in 
reference  to  his  fore  quarter,  supposing  that  his  legs  are  well 
formed  and  bis  feet  of  the  proper  shape,  which  last  point  can 
hardly  be  ascertained  at  this  time.  The  width  of  the  hips,  and 
shape  of  the  chest,  with  the  formation  of  the  loin,  may  also  be 
conjectured,  and  the  length  of  the  neck  is  in  like  measure  shadow- 
ed forth,  though  not  with  the  same  certainty  as  the  shoulders  and 
ribs.  A  ver}r  fat  puppy  will  look  pudgy  to  an  inexperienced  eye, 
so  that  it  is  necessary  to  take  this  into  consideration  in  making  the 
selection ;  but  fat  is  a  sign  of  strength,  bot'.i  actual  and  constita- 
tional,  when  it  is  remarKably  permanent  in  one  or  two  among  a 
litter,  for  it  can  only  be  obtained  either  by  depriving  the  others  of 
their  shara  of  milk  by  main  force,  or  through  such  constitutional 
vigor  as  to  thrive  bett:r  on  the  same  share  of  aliment.  The  navel 
should  be  examined  to  ascertain  if  there  is  any  rupture,  and  this 
alone  is  a  reason  for  deferring  the  choice  until  nearly  the  end  of  the 
first  week,  up  to  which  time  there  is  no  means  of  judging  as  to  this 
defect.  Indeed,  if  possible,  it  is  always  better  to  rear  nearly 
all  until  after  weaning,  either  on  the  dam  herself  or  on  a  foster- 
nurse,  as  at  that  time  tiie  future  shape  is  very  manifest,  and  the 
consequences  of  weaning  are  shown,  either  in  a  wasting  away  of 
the  whole  body,  or  in  a  recovery  from  its  effects  in  a  short  time. 
Sometimes,  however,  there  are  not  conveniences  for  either,  and 
then  recourse  must  be  had  to  an  early  choice  on  the  principles  in- 
dicated above. 


THE  FOSTER-NURSE. 

The  foster  nurse  need  not  be  of  the  same  breed  as  the  puppies 
which  she  is  to  suckle ;  a  smooth-skinned  bitch  is  superior  for  the 
purpose  to  one  with  a  rough  coat,  which  is  apt  to  harbor  fleas,  and 
in  other  ways  conduces  to  the  increase  of  dirt.  For  all  large 
breeds  the  bull-terrier  (which  is  most  commonly  kept  among 
the  class  who  alone  are  likely  to  sell  the  services  of  a  nurse) 
answers  as  well  as  any  other,  and  her  milk  is  generally  plentiful 


190  REARING. 

and  good.  For  small  breeds  any  little  house  dog  will  suffice,  tak- 
ing care  that  the  skin  is  healthy,  and  that  the  constitution  is  not 
impaired  by  confinement  or  gross  feeding.  Greyhound  puppies 
are  very  commonly  reared  by  bull-bitches  without  any  disadvan- 
tage, clearly  proving  the  propriety  of  the  plan.  It  may  generally 
be  reckoned,  in  fixing  the  number  which  a  bitch  can  suckle  with 
advantage,  that,  of  greyhound  or  pointer  puppies,  for  every  seven 
pounds  in  her  own  weight  the  bitch  can  nurse  one ;  so  that  an  aver- 
age bull-terrier  will  rear  three,  her  weight  being  about  twenty  one 
pounds,  and  smaller  dogs  in  proportion.  When  the  substitution 
is  to  be  made,  the  plan  is  to  proceed  as  follows : — Get  a  warm 
basket,  put  in  it  some  of  the  litter  in  which  the  bitch  and  her 
whelps  have  been  lying,  then  take  away  all  her  own  progeny,  and 
put  all  in  the  basket,  together  with  the  whelps  to  be  fostered,  mix- 
ing them  so  that  the  skins  of  the  fresh  ones  shall  be  in  contact  with 
the  bitch's  own  pups,  and  also  with  the  litter.  Let  them  remain  in 
this  way  for  three  hours,  during  which  time  the  bitch  should  be 
taken  out  for  an  hour's  walk,  when  her  teats  will  have  become  pain- 
fully distended  with  milk.  Then  put  all  the  pups  in  her  nest,  and, 
carefully  watching  her,  let  her  go  back  to  them.  In  ninety-nine 
cases  out  of  a  hundred,  she  will  at  once  allow  them  all  to  suck 
quietly,  and  if  she  licks  all  alike,  she  may  be  left  with  them  safely 
enough ;  but  if  she  passes  the  fresh  ones  over,  pushing  them 
one  side,  she  should  be  muzzled  for  twelve  hours,  leaving  all  with 
her,  and  keeping  the  muzzle  on  excepting  while  she  is  fed,  or 
watched  until  she  is  observed  to  lick  all  alike.  On  the  next  day,  all 
but  one  of  her  own  puppies  may  be  withdrawn,  with  an  interval 
of  one  hour  or  two  between  each  two,  taking  care  that  she 
does  not  see  what  is  done.  After  two  days  the  last  may  also  be 
taken  away,  and  then  she  acts  to  her  foster-puppies  in  every  way 
the  same  as  to  her  own.  Some  people  squeeze  a  little  of  the  bitch's 
milk  out  of  her  teats,  and  rub  this  over  the  puppies,  but  I  have 
never  seen  any  advantage  in  the  plan,  and,  as  I  have  never  had 
any  difficulty  in  getting  puppies  adopted,  I  do  not  recommend  any 
other  than  that  I  have  described.  In  most  cases  the  foster-bitch 
is  strange  to  those  about  her,  having  been  brought  from  her  own 


FEEDING    KEFORE    WEANING,    ETC.  191 

home,  and  in  that  case  a  muzzle  is  often  required  for  :ae  safety  of 
the  servants  watching  her  as  well  as  for  the  whelps ;  but  if  she 
seems  quiet  and  good  tempered,  it  may  be  dispensed  with. 


FEEDING   BEFORE   WEANING. 

The  food  of  whelps  before  weaning  should  be  confined  at  first 
to  cow's  milk,  or,  if  this  is  very  rich,  reduced  with  a  little  water. 
It  is  better  to  boil  it,  and  sweeten  it  with  a  little  fine  sugar, 
as  for  the  human  palate.  As  much  of  this  as  the  whelps  will 
take  may  be  given  them  three  times  a  day,  or  every  four  hours,  if 
they  are  a  large  litter.  In  the  fourth  week  get  a  sheep's  head, 
boil  it  in  a  quart  of  water  until  the  meat  comes  completely  to 
pieces,  then  carefully  take  away  every  particle  of  bone,  and  break 
up  the  meat  into  fragments  no  larger  than  a  small  horse-bean ; 
mix  all  with  the  broth,  thicken  this  to  the  consistence  of  cream 
with  fine  wheat  flour,  boil  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  then  cool  and 
give  alternately  with  the  milk.  At  this  time  the  milk  may  also  be 
thickened  with  flour ;  and  as  the  puppies  grow,  and  the  milk  of 
the  bitch  decreases  in  quantity,  the  amount  of  milk  and  thickened 
broth  must  be  increased  each  day,  as  well  as  more  frequently 
given.  Some  art,  founded  on  experience,  is  required  not  to  satiate 
the  puppies ;  but,  by  carefully  increasing  the  quantity  whenever 
the  pups  have  finished  it  greedily  the  last  time  or  two,  they  will 
not  be  overdone.  In  no  case  should  the  pan  containing  the  food 
be  left  in  the  intervals  with  the  puppies,  if  they  have  not  cleared  it 
out,  as  they  only  become  disgusted  with  it,  and  the  next  time  refuse 
to  feed.  A  sheep's  head  will  serve  a  litter  of  large-sized  puppies 
two  days  up  to  weaning,  more  or  less,  according  to  numbers  and  age. 


CHOICE  OF  PLACE  FOR  WHELPING. 

The  whelping-place,  up  to  the  third  week,  may  be  confined  to 
a  square  yard  or  two,  floored  with  board  as  already  described. 


192  REARING. 

After  the  third  week,  when  the  puppies  begin  to  run  about,  access 
should  be  given  them  to  a  larger  run,  and  an  inclined  plane 
should  be  arranged  for  ihem  to  get  up  and  down  from  their 
boarded  stage.  If  the  weather  is  cold,  the  best  place  for  a  bitch 
to  whelp  is  in  a  saddle-room  warmed  by  a  stove,  or  an  empty 
stall,  with  a  two-foot  board  placed  across  the  bottom,  opposite  the 
stall-post,  so  as  to  prevent  the  puppies  getting  among  the  horses. 
In  either  case  there  is 'an  amount  of  artificial  heat,  which  conduces 
to  the  growth  of  the  puppies,  and  allows  them  to  be  reared  suffi- 
ciently strong  to  bear  any  cold  afterwards  with  impunity.  If  the 
weather  is  not  cold,  an  ordinary  horse-box  is  the  best  place  which 
can  be  chosen,  fixing  the  boarded  stage  at  a  distance  from  the 
door,  and  either  sanding  or  slightly  littering  the  brick  floor,  ac- 
cording to  the  weather ;  but  the  latter  is  to  be  preferred,  excepting 
in  a  very  hot  summer.  In  these  boxes  puppies  take  a  vast  amount 
of  exercise,  which  they  require  for  health,  and  to  give  that  appe- 
tite without  which  sufficient  food  for  growth  is  not  taken. 


REMOVAL  OF  DEW-CLAWS,  ETC. 

Before  weaning,  any  cropping  which  is  intended,  whether  of 
the  dew-claw  or  tail,  should  be  practised,  but  the  ears  should  be 
left  alone  until  the  third  or  fourth  month,  as  they  are  not  suffi- 
ciently developed  before.  If,  however,  the  operator  does  not 
understand  his  business  thoroughly,  it  is  better  to  leave  the  latter 
organs  alone,  until  a  later  period,  as  otherwise  the  proper  quantity 
may  not  be  cropped  or  rounded,  as  the  case  may  be.  Indeed,  ever 
the  most  skillful  hand  will  hardly  ever  manage  either  the  one  or  th" 
other  well  before  the  fifth  month ;  and  in  hounds  it  is  usual  to  de- 
fer it  until  they  are  nearly  full  grown,  as  they  often  lose  a  consider- 
able quantity  of  blood,  which  interferes  with  their  growth.  But 
the  tail  and  dew-claws  may  always  be  best  done,  and  with  least 
pain,  while  with  the  dam ;  besides  which,  her  tongue  serves  to  heal 
the  wound  better  than  that  of  the  young  puppy,  who  has  hardly 
learned  to  use  it.  Regular  dog-fanciers  bite  off  the  tail,  but  a  pair 


WEANING.  193 

of  scissors  answers  equally  well ;  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the 
dew-claw.  If,  however,  the  nail  only  is  to  be  removed,  which 
always  ought  to  be  done,  the  teeth  serve  the  purpose  of  a  pair  of 
nippers,  and  by  their  aid  it  may  be  drawn  out,  leaving  the 
claw  itself  attached,  but  rendered  less  liable  to  injury,  from  having 
lost  the  part  likely  to  catch  hold  of  any  projecting  body. 


WEANING. 

When  weaning  is  to  be  commenced,  which  is  usually  about  the 
fifth  or  sixth  week,  it  is  better  to  remove  the  puppies  altogether, 
than  to  let  the  bitch  go  on  suckling  them  at  long  intervals.  By 
this  time  their  claws  and  teeth  have  become  so  sharp  and  so  long, 
that  they  punish  the  bitch  terribly,  and  therefore  she  does  not  let 
them  fill  their  bellies.  Her  milk  generally  accumulates  in  her 
teats,  and  becomes  stale,  in  which  state  it  is  not  fit  for  the  whelps, 
and  by  many  is  supposed  to  encourage  worms.  The  puppies  have 
always  learned  to  lap,  and  will  eat  meat,  or  take  broth  or  thick- 
ened milk,  as  previously  described;  besides  which,  when  they 
have  no  chance  of  sucking  presented  to  them,  they  take  other  food 
better,  whereas,  if  they  are  allowed  to  suck  away  at  empty  teats, 
they  only  fill  themselves  with  wind,  and  then  lose  their  appetites 
for  food  of  any  kind.  But,  having  determined  to  wean  them,  there 
are  several  important  particulars  which  must  be  attended  to,  or 
the  result  will  be  a  failure,  at  all  events  for  some  time.  That  is  to 
say,  the  puppies  will  fall  away  in  flesh,  and  will  cease  to  grow  at 
the  same  rate  as  before.  In  almost  all  cases,  what  is  called  the 
"  milk-fat  "  disappears  after  weaning,  but  still  it  is  desirable  to  keep 
some  flesh  on  their  bones,  and  this  can  only  be  done  by  attending 
to  the  following  directions,  which  apply  to  dogs  of  all  kinds,  but 
are  seldom  rigidly  carried  out,  except  with  the  greyhound,  whose 
size  and  strength  are  so  important  as  to  call  for  every  care  to  pro- 
cure them  in  a  high  degree.  In  hounds,  as  well  as  pointers  and 
setters,  a  check  in  the  growth  is  of  just  as  much  consequence  ;  but 
as  they  are  not  tested  together  as  to  their  speed  and  stoutness  so 
9 


194  REARING. 

closely  as  greyhounds  are,  the  slight  defects  produced  in  puppy- 
hood  are  not  detected,  and,  as  a  consequence,  the  same  attention  is 
not  paid.  Nevertheless,  as  most  of  these  points  require  only  care, 
and  cost  little  beyond  it,  they  ought  to  be  carried  out  almost  as 
strictly  in  the  kennels  of  the  foxhound  and  pointer  as  in  those  de- 
voted to  the  longtails.  These  chief  and  cardinal  elements  of  suc- 
cess are,— 1st,  a  warm,  clean,  and  dry  lodging ;  2ndly,  suitable 
food  ;  3rdly,  regularity  in  feeding  ;  and,  4thly,  a  provision  for  suf- 
ficient exercise. 


NECESSITY  FOR  WARM  AND  DRY  LODGING. 

All  puppies  require  a  dry  lodging,  and  in  the  winter  season  it 
should  also  be  a  warm  one.  Greyhound  whelps,  up  to  their  third 
or  fourth  month,  are  sometimes  reared  in  an  artificial  tempera- 
ture, either  by  means  of  a  stove,  or  by  using  the  heat  of  a  stable, 
the  temperature  chosen  being  60°  of  Fahrenheit.  Beyond  this 
age,  it  can  never  be  necessary  to  adopt  artificial  heat  in  rearing 
puppies,  because  for  public  coursing  they  are  required  to  be  whelp- 
ed after  the  last  day  of  the  year,  and  four  months  from  that  time 
takes  us  on  to  May,  when  the  weather  is  seldom  cold  enough  to  re- 
quire a  stove ;  then  during  the  summer  months  they  are  gradu- 
ally hardened  to  the  vicissitudes  of  the  weather,  and  as  they  be- 
come older  their  growth  is  established,  and  they  are  no  longer  in 
.danger  of  its  being  checked.  It  is  true  that  some  few  breeders 
always  keep  their  kennels  at  60°;  but  on  the  whole,  as  we  shall 
hereafter  find,  the  plan  is  not  a  good  one,  and  need  not  be  consid- 
ered here.  But  far  beyond  the  warmth,  dryness  is  essential  to  suc- 
cess. Dogs  will  bear  almost  any  amount  of  cold  if  unaccompanied 
by  damp,  provided  they  have  plenty  of  straw  to  lie  in  ;  but  a  damp 
kennel,  even  if  warm,  is  sure  to  lead  to  rickets  or  rheumatism,  if 
the  puppies  escape  inflammation  of  some  one  or  more  of  the  inter- 
nal organs.  Take  care,  therefore,  to  give  a  dry  bedstead  of  boards, 
lined  with  the  same  material  towards  the  wall  (the  cold  of  which 
strikes  inwardly  and  gives  cold),  and  raised  somewhat  from  the 


FEEDING.  195 

floor,  which  will  otherwise  keep  it  damp.  Puppies  soon  learn  to  lie 
on  this,  and  avoid  the  cold  stones  or  bricks,  except  in  the  heats  of 
summer,  when  these  do  no  harm.  The  stone  or  brick  floor  should 
be  so  made  as  to  avoid  absorption  of  the  urine,  etc.,  which  can  only 
be  effected  by  employing  glazed  tiles  or  bricks  that  are  not  porous, 
or  by  covering  the  whole  with  a  layer  of  hydraulic  cement,  or  with 
asphalt,  which  answers  nearly  as  well.  Care  should  be  taken 
that  there  are  no  interstices  between  the  boards,  if  the  kennel  is 
made  of  them ;  and  in  every  way,  while  ventilation  is  provided, 
cold  draughts  must  be  prevented.  Cleanliness  must  also  be  at- 
tended to  rigidly  by  sweeping  out  the  floor  daily,  and  washing  it 
down  at  short  intervals,  and  by  changing  the  litter  once  a  week  at 
the  least.  In  the  summer  time,  straw  is  not  desirable,  as  it  harbors 
fleas,  and,  if  the  boarded  floor  is  not  considered  sufficient,  a  thick 
layer  of  pine  sawdust  will  be  the  best  material,  as  it  is  soft  enough, 
without  harboring  vermin  of  any  kind  ;  the  only  objection  to  it  be- 
ing that  the  puppies  are  apt  to  wet  it  often,  after  which  it  becomes 
offensive. 


FEEDING. 

The  feeding  of  puppies  is  all  important,  and,  unless  they  have 
plenty  of  food  sufficiently  nourishing  to  allow  of  a  proper  growth, 
it  is  impossible  that  they  should  become  what  they  might  be  if  fed 
with  the  best  materials  for  the  purpose.  From  the  time  of  wean- 
ing to  the  end  of  the  third  month,  when  a  decision  must  be  arrived 
at.  as  to  their  subsequent  management,  very  little  deviation  is  re- 
quired from  the  plans  described  on  page  191 ;  that  is,  the  pup- 
pies should  be  fed  every  four  hours  upon  the  thickened  broth  made 
from  sheep's  head,  and  thickened  milk  alternately.  After  that 
time,  however,  their  food  must  be  given  them  rather  stronger  and 
of  a  somewhat  different  nature,  as  we  shall  find  in  its  proper  place. 
This  food  will  be  required  for  any  kind  of  dog,  but  a  single  puppy 
may  very  well  be  reared  upon  thickened  milk,  with  the  scraps  of 
the  house  in  addition,  including  bones,  which  it  will  greedily  pick, 
and  any  odds  and  ends  which  are  left  on  the  plates. 


196  REARING. 

Regularity  of  feeding  in  puppies,  as  in  adult  animals,  is  of  the 
utmost  importance;  and  it  will  always  be  found  that  if  two  pup- 
pies are  equally  well  reared  in  other  respects,  and  one  fed  at  regu- 
lar hours,  while  the  other  is  only  supplied  at  the  caprice  of  ser- 
vants, the  former  will  excel  the  latter  in  size  and  health,  as  well  as 
in  the  symmetrical  development  of  the  body.  It  is  also  very  neces- 
sary to  avoid  leaving  any  part  of  one  meal  in  the  pans  or  feeding- 
troughs  until  the  next,  as  nothing  disgusts  the  dog  mo.  e  tuan  seeing 
food  left  in  this  way.  The  moment  the  puppies  fill  themselves 
take  away  the  surplus ;  and,  indeed,  it  is  better  still  to  anticipate 
them  by  stopping  them  before  they  have  quite  done.  All  this  re- 
quires considerable  tact  and  experience,  and  there  are  very  few 
servants  who  are  able  and  willing  to  carry  out  these  directions 
fully. 


EXERCISE. 

Exercise  is  necessary  at  all  ages,  but  the  fully  developed  dog 
may  be  confined  for  some  little  time  without  permanent  injury, 
the  formation  of  his  feet  and  the  texture  of  his  bones  and  muscles 
being  then  finally  settled.  On  the  other  hand,  the  puppy  will 
grow  according  to  the  demand  made  upon  his  mechanism,  and  if 
the  muscles  are  left  idle  they  do  not  enlarge ;  while  the  feet  re- 
main thin  and  weak,  with  the  tendons  and  ligaments  relaxed,  so 
that  they  spread  out  like  a  human  hand.  Growing  puppies  should 
be  provided  with  an  area  sufficiently  large  for  them  to  play  in, 
according  to  their  size,  and  under  cover  up  to  the  end  of  the  third 
month  ;  after  which,  if  they  have  a  sheltered  sleeping-place  to  run 
into,  they  will  generally  avoid  heavy  rain.  Young  puppies  play 
sufficiently  in  a  loose  box  or  similar  enclosure ;  but,  after  the  time 
specified  above,  they  must  either  have  their  entire  liberty,  or  be 
allowed  the  run  of  a  larger  space,  the  alternative  being  bad  feet, 
defective  development,  and  weak  joints. 


HOME    BEARING    VERSUS    WALKING.  197 

HOME  REARING    VERSUS  WALKING. 

When  one  or  two  puppies  only  are  to  be  reared,  they  may  be 
readily  brought  up  at  home,  excepting  in  towns  or  other  confined 
situations,  where  due  liberty  and  a  proper  amount  of  sun  and  air 
can  not  be  obtained.  But  where  a  larger  number  are  to  be  reared, 
as  in  the  case  of  hounds,  greyhounds,  pointers,  and  setters,  etc., 
there  is  a  difficulty  attending  upon  numbers,  as  a  dozen  or  two  of 
puppies  about  the  house  are  not  conducive  to  the  neatness  and 
beauty  of  the  garden ;  besides  which,  the  collection  together  in 
masses  of  young  dogs  is  prejudicial  to  their  health.  To  avoid 
this  evil,  therefore,  it  is  customary  to  send  puppies  out  at  three  or 
four  months  of  age  to  be  kept  by  cottagers,  butchers,  small  farm- 
ers, etc.,  at  a  weekly  sum  for  each,  which  is  called  "  walking " 
them.  Young  greyhounds  may  be  reared  in  a  large  enclosure, 
which  should  be  not  less  than  thirty  or  forty  feet  long,  with  a 
lodging-house  at  one  end  ;  but  hounds  do  not  take  exercise  enough 
in  a  confined  space,  and  should  invariably  be  sent  out.  It  is  only, 
therefore,  in  reference  to  the  rearing  of  greyhounds  that  the  two 
plans  can  be  compared,  or  perhaps  also  with  pointers  and  setters, 
if  they  are  taken  out  to  exercise  after  they  are  four  or  five  months 
old. 

The  two  plans  have  been  extensively  tried  with  the  longtails, 
and  in  my  own  opinion  the  preference  should  be  given  to  the 
home  rearing  if  properly  carried  out,  because  it  has  all  the  advan- 
tages of  the  "  walk"  without  those  disadvantages  attending  upon 
it,  in  the  shape  of  bad  habits  acquired  in  chasing  poultry,  rabbits, 
and  often  hares,  during  which  the  puppy  learns  to  run  cunning. 
One  of  the  first  symptoms  of  this  vice  is  the  waiting  to  cut  off  a 
corner,  which  is  soon  learned  if  there  is  the  necessity  for  it,  and 
even  in  mutual  play  the  puppy  will  often  develop  it.  Hence  I 
have  seen  a  "  walked  "  greyhound,  with  his  very  first  hare,  show 
as  much  waiting  as  any  old  worn-out  runner,  evidently  acquired 
in  his  farm  yard  education,  or  possibly  from  having  been  tempted 
after  a  hare  or  two  by  the  sheep-dog  belonging  to  the  farm.  More- 
over, the  home-reared  puppy,  being  confined  in  a  limited  space 


198  BEARING. 

during  the  greater  part  of  his  time,  is  inclined  to  gallop  when  first 
let  out,  and  takes  in  this  way  more  exercise  than  thoso  brought  up 
on  the  other  plan ;  so  that,  after  considering  both  methods,  I  have 
come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  home  rearing  is  preferable  on  the 
whole,  though  there  is  no  doubt  that  good  dogs  may  be  reared  in 
either  way. 

The  best  plan  is  to  fence  off  a  long  slip  of  grass ;  or,  if  a  small 
walled  enclosure  can  be  procured,  fence  off  about  a  yard  or  two 
all  round,  by  which  last  plan  an  excellent  gallop  is  secured,  with- 
out the  possibility  of  cutting  corners,  and  with  a  very  slight  loss 
of  ground.  An  admirable  plan  is  to  build  four  large  sleeping 
rooms  in  a  square  block,  and  then  all  round  this  let  there  be  a  run 
two  yards  wide,  which  may  be  separated  into  four  divisions,  or 
thrown  into  one  at  will.  If  the  latter,  the  puppies  will  exercise 
themselves  well  round  and  round  the  building,  which  is  a  practice 
they  are  very  fond  of;  and,  even  if  two  or  more  lots  are  wanted  to 
occupy  the  compartments,  the  whole  can  be  thrown  open  to  each 
lot  in  turn.  When  this  plan  is  adopted,  the  run  should  be  paved, 
so  that  the  expense  is  much  greater  than  in  the  other  mode,  in 
which  the  natural  soil  is  allowable,  because  the  puppies  are  not 
kept  on  it  long  enough  to  stain  it. 


THE  FOOD  OF  PUPPIES  AT  HOME  OR  "AT  WALK,"  AND  ITS 
PROPER   PREPARATION. 

Whether  at  home  or  out,  puppies  require  the  same  kind  of  food, 
and  the  more  regularly  this  is  given  as  to  quantity  and  quality,  as 
well  as  the  times  of  feeding  them,  the  more  healthy  they  will  be, 
and  the  faster  they  will  grow.  Many  people  consider  milk  to  be  by 
far  the  best  article  of  food  for  growing  puppies,  and  undoubtedly 
it  is  a  good  one,  but  it  is  not  superior  to  a  mixed  diet  of  meal  and 
animal  food  in  proper  proportions,  and  occasionally  varied  by  the 
addition  of  green  vegetables.  Indeed,  after  three  months,  or  at 
most  four,  puppies  may  be  fed  like  grown  dogs  as  to  the  quality 


ETC.  199 

of  their  food,  requiring  it  however  to  be  given  them  more  fre- 
quently the  younger  they  arc.  Up  to  six  months  they  require  it 
three  times  a  day,  at  equal  intervals,  and  after  that  age  twice ;  for 
although  there  is  a  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of 
feeding  the  adult  once  or  twice  a  day,  there  is  none  about  the 
puppy  demanding  a  supply  morning  and  evening.  In  all  cases, 
tiiey  should  be  encouraged  to  empty  themselves  (by  allowing  a 
run,  if  they  are  confined  to  kennel)  just  before  feeding,  and  for  an 
hour  or  two  afterwards  they  are  best  at  rest.  If  milk  is  given,  it 
may  be  thickened  by  boiling  in  it  oatmeal  or  wheat-flour,  or  both 
together,  or  biscuits  may  be  scalded  and  added  to  it ;  but  no  flesh 
is  needed  in  addition,  bones  only  being  required  to  amuse  the  dog 
and  to  clean  his  teeth  by  gnawing  them.  With  these  any  dog 
may  be  reared  very  well,  but  the  plan  is  an  expensive  one,  if  the 
milk  has  any  thing  like  the  ordinary  value  attached  to  it,  and  if  it 
has  to  be  purchased,  the  cost  is  generally  quite  prohibitory  of  its  use. 
Besides  milk,  various  other  articles  are  employed  in  feeding  dogs. 
Of  these,  Indian  meal  is  by  far  the  best  in  proportion  to  its  price 
(being  quite  equal  to  anything  but  the  very  best  wheat-flour,  which 
is  perhaps  slightly  more  nourishing),  and,  being  so  much  cheaper, 
is,  on  that  account,  to  be  preferred.  It  requires  to  be  mixed  with 
oatmeal,  in  about  equal  proportions,  or  less  of  the  latter  if  the 
bowels  are  at  all  relaxed.  Oatmeal  is  considerably  dearer, 
though  the  grain  itself  is  cheaper ;  but  the  quantity  of  meal 
obtained,  owing  to  the  amount  of  chaff,  is  so  small,  that 
when  this  is  got  rid  of  the  meal  is  necessarily  sold  at  a  higher 
price,  according  to  the  season.  But  a  much  larger  bulk  of 
thick  stuff,  commonly  called  "  puddings,"  is  produced  by  oatmeal 
than  can  be  obtained  from  any  other  meal  in  proportion  to  weight, 
the  absorption  of  water  being  greater,  and  also  varying  in  different 
qualities  of  oatmeal  itself ;  so  that,  after  all,  this  meal  is  not  so 
expensive  as  it  looks  to  be,  when  comparing  an  equal  weight  of  it 
with  barley  or  Indian  meal.  The  real  coarse  Scotch  oatmeal  yields 
the  greatest  bulk  of  puddings,  and  is  to  be  preferred  on  that 
account ;  besides  which,  it  appears  to  agree  best  with  dogs,  and 
altogether  is  a  very  superior  article  ;  but  in  any  case  it  ought  to  be 


200  EBABING. 

nearly  a  year  old.  It  may  therefore  be  considered  that  me  i 
or  oatmeal  is  the  best  meal,  unless  the  price  of  wheat-flour  can 
be  afforded,  when  the  best  red  wheat  should  be  coarsely  ground 
and  not  bolted,  and  in  this  state  made  into  biscuits  or  dump- 
lings, or  used  to  thicken  the  broth. 

If  corn  meal  is  employed,  it  must  be  mixed  with  the  water  or 
broth  while  cold,  and  then  boiled  for  at  least  an  hour,  stirring  it 
occasionally  to  prevent  burning.  If  it  is  intended  to  mix  oatmed 
with  the  .corn  meal,  the  former  may  be  first  mixed  with  cold 
water  to  a  paste,  and  then  stirred  in  after  boiling  the  latter  for 
three  quarters  of  an  hour ;  then  boil  another  quarter,  reckoning 
from  the  time  that  the  contents  of  the  copper  came  to  the  boiling 
point  a  second  time. 

Wheat-flour  should  be  boiled  from  fifteen  to  twenty  minutes, 
and  may  be  mixed  with  the  oatmeal  in  the  same  way  as  the  corn 
meal. 

Oatmeal  pudding,  and  porridge,  or  stirabout,  are  made  as  follows : 
the  first  name  being  given  to  it  when  so  thick  as  to  bear  the 
weight  of  the  body  after  it  is  cold,  and,  the  last  two  to  a  somewhat 
thinner  composition.  In  any  case  the  meal  is  stirred  up  with  cold 
water  to  a  thick  paste,  and,  when  quite  smooth,  some  of  the  broth 
should  be  ladled  out  and  added  to  it,  still  stirring  it  steadily.  Then 
return  the  whole  to  the  boiler,  and  stir  until  it  thickens,  ladle  out 
into  coolers,  and  let  it  "  set,"  when  it  can  be  cut  with  a  spade  and  is 
quite  solid.  The  directions  as  to  the  length  of  time  for  the  boiling 
of  oatmeal  vary  a  good  deal,  some  preferring  at  least  half  an  hour's 
boil,  while  others  are  content  with  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  but  for 
most  purposes  from  a  quarter  to  half  an  hour  is  the  proper  lime, 
remembering  that  this  is  to  be  reckoned  from  the  moment  that 
the  water  boils. 

The  animal  food  used  should  be  carefully  selected  to  avoid  in- 
fectious diseases,  and  the  flesh  of  those  creatures  which  have  been 
loaded  with  drugs  should  also  be  avoided.  Horseflesh,  if  death 
has  been  caused  by  accident,  is  as  good  as  anything,  and  in  many 
cases  of  rapid  disease  the  flesh  is  little  the  worse,  but  though  in 
foxhound  kennels  there  is  little  choice,  yet  for  greyhounds  those 


THE   FOOD    OF   PUPPIES,    ETC. 


201 


horses  which  have  been  much  drugged  for  lingering  diseases,  and 
those  also  which  are  much  emaciated,  are  likely  to  do  more  harm 
than  good.  Slipped  calves  and  lambs,  as  well  as  beef  and  mutton, 
the  result  of  death  from  natural  causes,  make  an  excellent  change, 
but  are  sel.lom  better  than  bad  horseflesh.  Still,  as  variety 
is  essential  to  success  in  rearing,  they  should  not  be  rejected. 
Whatever  this  kind  of  food  is  composed  of,  it  should  be  boiled, 
with  the  exception  of  paunches,  which  may  be  given  raw,  but 
even  they  are  better  boiled,  and  I  think  an  occasional  meal  of  well- 
kept  horseflesh  is  rather  a  good  change.  The  flesh  with  the  bonrs 
should  be  boiled  for  hours,  until  the  meat  is  thoroughly  done ;  then 
take  it  out  and  let  it  hang  until  cold;  cut  or  strip  it  from  the  bones 
and  mix  with  the  puddings  or  stirabout  according  to  the  quantity 
required.  The  broth  should  always  be  used,  as  there  are  impor- 
tant elements  of  nutrition  dissolved  in  it,  which  are  absent  in  the 
boiled  flesh.  It  is  therefore  necessary  to  make  the  puddings  or 
stirabout  with  it,  or  to  soak  in  it  the  biscuit,  when  this  is  the  food 
selected.  The  bones  should  be  given  for  the  dogs  to  gnaw,  to- 
gether with  any  others  from  the  house  which  can  be  obtained,  but 
taking  care  to  remove  all  fragments  small  enough  for  them  to 
swallow  whole.  Bones  should  be  given  on  grass  or  clean  flags 
The  comparative  value  of  the  various  articles  of  diet  enumerated 
according  to  the  authority  of  Liebig,  is  as  follows : 


Materials     used 

Materials  used  in 

TJie  proportions  in 

for       making 
muscle,     bone. 

respiration,  or 
in  fo  rming 

etc. 

fat. 

Parts. 

Parts. 

Cow's  milk            are 

as      10 

to      30 

Fat  mutton 

10 

27  to  45 

Lean  mutton 

10 

19 

Lean  beef 

10 

17 

Lean  horseflesh 

10 

15 

Hare  and  rabbit 

10 

2  to  5 

Wheat-flour 

10 

46 

Oatmeal 

10 

50 

Barley  meal 
Potatoes 

10 
10 

57 
86  to  115 

Rice 

10 

153 

From  this  high  authority  it  appears  that  barley-meal  is  superior 


202 

both  to  wheat-flour  and  oatraal  in  fat-making  materials,  but  it  is 
greatly  inferior  in  muscle-making  power,  and  hence,  in  dogs  where 
fat  is  not  required,  it  is  of  inferior  value.  Science  and  practical 
experiment  here  go  hand  in  hand,  as  they  always  do  when  the  for- 
mer is  based  upon  true  premises.  In  cow's  milk,  which  is  the  nat- 
jral  food  of  the  young  of  the  Mammalia,  the  proportion  is  30  to 
10,  and  this  seems  to  be  about  what  is  required  in  mixing  the  ani- 
mal and  vegetable  food.  Now  by  adding  equal  weights  of  wheat- 
meal  and  lean  horseflesh,  we  obtain  exactly  the  same  proportions 
within  the  merest  trifle ;  thus — 

Wheat-flour 10  46 

Horseflesh 10          15 

30          61 

being  equal  to  10  of  muscle-making  to  30|  of  fat-making  matter ; 
and  this  is  practically  the  proportion  of  animal  food  to  meal  which 
best  suits  the  dog's  stomach  and  general  system.  The  reader  is 
not  to  suppose  that  a  dog  is  to  be  fed  on  equal  parts  of  cooked 
meat  and  pudding,  but  of  raw  meat  and  dry  meal,  which  when 
both  are  boiled  would,  by  the  loss  of  juice  in  the  flesh  and  the  ab- 
sorption of  water  in  the  meal,  become  converted  into  about  two 
quantities  by  weight  of  pudding  to  one  of  cooked  meat.  Even 
this  proportion  of  flesh  is  a  large  one  for  growing  dogs  which  have 
not  much  exercise,  but  those  which  are  "at  walk"  or  which  have 
their  liberty  in  any  situation  will  bear  it.  Most  people  prefer  a 
much  smaller  proportion  of  meat,  especially  for  hounds,  pointers, 
setters,  and  spaniels,  which  depend  on  their  nose,  this  organ  being 
supposed  to  be  rendered  less  delicate  by  high  feeding.  From  long 
experience  in  this  matter,  however,  I  am  satisfied  that,  while  the 
health  is  maintained  in  a  perfect  state,  there  is  no  occasion  to  fear 
the  loss  of  nose,  and  that  such  may  be  avoided  with  the  above  diet 
I  am  confident  from  actual  practice.  At  the  same  time  it  must 
not  be  forgotten  that  all  dogs  so  fed  require  a  great  supply  of 
green  vegetables,  which  should  be  given  once  or  twice  a  week  dur- 
ing the  summer,  without  which  they  become  heated,  and  throw 
out  an  eruption  as  a  proof  of  it,  the  nose  also  being  hot  and  dry. 


GENERAL  TREATMENT.  203 

Green  cabbage,  turnip  tops,  turnips,  nettle-tops,  or  carrots,  as  well 
as  potatoes,  may  all  be  given  with  advantage  boiled  and  mixed  with 
the  meal  and  broth,  in  which  way  they  are  much  relished. 

Scraps,  bought  at  the  provision  stores,  and  consisting  of  the  refuse 
of  the  fat  melced  to  make  tallow,  are  a  very  common  article  for 
flavoring  the  meal  of  sporting  dogs  of  all  kinds.  Beyond  this 
they  have  little  value,  but  they  certainly  afford  some  degree  of 
nourishment,  and  are  not  altogether  to  be  despised.  They  are 
boiled  in  water  first  until  soft,  and  then  mixed  with  the  meal  to 
form  the  stirabout  or  pudding.  With  oatmeal  they  form  a  good 
food  enough  for  pointers  and  setters,  as  they  are  not  so  heating  as 
flesh. 

The  quantity  by  weight  which  is  required  by  the  growing  puppy 
daily  of  such  food  as  the  above,  is  from  a  twelfth  to  one-twentieth 
of  the  weight  of  its  body,  varying  with  the  rapidity  of  growth, 
and  a  good  deal  with  the  breed  also.  Thus  a  12  Ib.  dog  will  take 
from  five-eighths  of  a  pound  to  a  pound,  and  a  36  ft.  dog  from  two 
pounds  to  three  pounds.  When  they  arrive  at  full  growth,  more 
than  the  smaller  of  these  weights  is  very  seldom  wanted,  and  it 
may  be  taken  as  the  average  weight  of  food  of  this  kind  for  all 
dogs  in  tolerably  active  exercise. 


GENERAL  TREATMENT. 

During  the  whole  time  of  growth,  the  only  general  management 
required  is,  first,  a  habit  of  obedience,  the  dog  being  taught  his 
kennel  name,  to  follow  at  heel,  and  to  lead.  Some  breeds  require 
more  than  this  ;  as,  for  instance,  the  pointer  and  setter,  which  will 
be  mentioned  under  the  head  of  breaking.  Secondly,  secure  clean- 
liness in  all  respects,  the  kennel  being  kept  scrupulously  clean  by 
washing  the  floor,  and  at  least  once  a  year  lime-washing  the  walls, 
while  the  skins  are  freed  from  any  vermin  which  may  be  found 
by  the  means  described  in  the  Third  Book.  In  the  summer  a 
straw  bed  is  seldom  required,  but  in  the  winter  it  must  be  given 
for  the  sake  of  warmth,  and  changed  once  or  twice  a  week. 


204  REARING. 

Physic  is  not  needed  as  a  regular  practice,  if  feeding  is  conducted 
on  the  above  plan,  and  the  exercise  is  sufficient;  but  if  the  pup- 
pies are  dull,  a  dose  of  castor  oil  occasionally  will  do  good. 


CHOICE  OF   PUPPIES  AFTER  WEANING  THEM. 

Puppios  of  all  kinds  vary  in  form  so  much  between  the  weaning 
time  and  the  period  of  full  growth,  that  there  is  great  difficulty  in 
making  a  choice  which  shall  be  proved  by  subsequent  events  to  be 
on  reliable  grounds.  All  young  animals  grow  by  fits  and  starts, 
the  proportions  varying  with  the  stage  of  development  in  which 
any  part  is  at  the  time  of  examination.  Thus  at  the  fourth  month 
a  puppy  may  look  too  long,  but  during  the  next  month  he  may 
have  grown  so  much  in  the  legs  that  he  no  longer  looks  so. 
Again,  another  may  be  all  legs  and  wings  in  the  middle  of  his 
growth,  but  he  may  finally  grow  down  to  a  strong,  low,  and  mus- 
cular dog.  SD  also  with  the  fore  and  hind  quarters,  they  may 
grow  alternately,  and  one  month  the  fore  quarter  may  be  low,  and 
the  next  the  hind.  None  but  an  experienced  eye  therefore  can 
pretend  to  foresee,  after  the  period  of  weaning,  what  will  be  the 
final  shape ;  but  either  soon  after  that  time,  or  a  day  or  two  after 
birth,  a  pretty  good  guess  may  be  given,  subject  to  the  continua- 
tion of  health,  and  to  proper  rearing  in  all  respects.  Bad  feet  can 
soon  be  detected,  but  the  limbs  grow  into  a  good  shape  after  most 
extraordinary  deviations  from  the  line  of  beauty,  particularly  in 
the  greyhound,  which  is  often  apparently  deformed  in  his  joints 
when  half  grown.  The  most  unwieldy-looking  animals  often  "  fine" 
down  into  the  best  shapes,  and  should  not  t>e  carelessly  rejected 
without  the  fint  being  pronounced  by  a  breeder  of  experience. 


CROPPING,  BRANDING,  AND  ROUNDING. 

11  terriers  are  to  be  cropped,  the  beginning  or  eud  of  the  fourth 
month  is  the  best  time  for  this ;  and,  before  sending  out  to  walkj 


CROPPING,   BRANDING,   AND    BOUNDING.  205 

bounds  are  branded  with  the  initials  of  the  master  or  of  the  hunt, 
a  hot  iron  shaped  like  the  letter  itself  being  used.  Both  cropping 
and  rounding  require  practice  to  perform  them  well,  a  large  sharp 
pair  of  scissors  being  used,  and  care  being  necessary  to  hold  the 
two  layers  of  skin  in  the  ear  in  thett  natural  position,  to  prevent 
the  one  rolling  on  the  other,  and  thus  leaving  one  larger  than  the 
other  Foxhounds  have  so  much  work  in  covert  that  rounding  is 
imperatively  called  for  to  prevent  the  ears  from  being  torn,  and 
it  always  has  been  adopted  as  a  universal  practice,  different  hunts- 
men varying  in  the  quantity  removed.  Some  people  after  cutting 
one  ear  lay  the  piece  removed  on  the  other,  and  so  mark  exactly 
the  amount  which  is  to  be  removed  from  it ;  but  this  is  a  clumsy 
expedient,  and,  if  the  eye  is  not  good  enough  to  direct  the  hand 
without  this  measurement,  the  operation  will  seldom  be  effected  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  owner  of  the  dog.  It  is  usual  to  round  fox- 
hound puppies  after  they  come  in  from  their  walks  ;  but  it  would 
be  far  better  to  perform  the  operation  before  their  return,  as  it 
only  makes  them  more  sulky  and  unhappy  than  they  otherwise 
•would  be,  and  is  a  poor  introduction  to  their  new  masters.  The 
men  could  easily  go  around  to  the  different  walks  during  the  sum- 
mer, and  it  would  insure  a  supervision  which  is  often  required. 


CHAPTER    III. 
KENNELS  AND  KENNEL  MANAGEMENT. 

GBETHOUND  KENNELS. — FOXHOUND  KENNELS. — POINTER  KENNELS. — KEN« 
NELS  FOB  SINGLE  DOGS.— HOUSE  DOGS. 

Between  the  kennels  intended  for  the  various  kinds  of  dogs,  and 
the  methods  of  management  therein,  some  considerable  difference 
exists,  though  the  same  principles  are  adopted  throughout.  Thus, 
packs  of  foxhounds  are  often  kept  to  the  number  of  80  or  even  100 
couples,  and  these  must  be  managed  rather  differently  from  the  three 
or  four  brace  of  greyhounds  or  pointers,  which  usually  constitute 
the  extent  of  each  of  these  kinds  in  one  man's  possession,  or  at  all 
events  in  the  building.  Besides  this,  foxhounds  are  much  more 
exposed  to  the  weather  than  greyhounds,  which  are  usually  clothed 
out  of  doors,  and  otherwise  protected  by  dog-carts,  etc.  The 
former  therefore  must  be  hardened  to  the  duties  they  have  to  per. 
form,  while  the  latter  may  be  brought  out  in  more  vigorous  health, 
and  with  their  speed  very  highly  developed,  but  at  the  same  time 
in  so  delicate  a  condition  as  to  be  liable  to  take  cold  if  allowed  to 
remain  in  the  rain  for  any  length  of  time.  Hence  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  describe  the  kennels  for  greyhounds,  hounds,  pointers,  etc., 
separately. 


GREYHOUND  KENNELS. 

Every  kennel  intended  for  greyhounds  should  be  thoroughly  pro- 
tected from  the  weather,  and  should  have  the  yard  covered  in  us 
well  as  the  lodging-house.  The  plan  for  the  kennel  intended  to 
rear  puppies  in  is  also  best  adapted  for  their  future  keeping,  and 
this  it  will  be  desirable  to  describe  more  fully  here. 

The  central  square,  comprised  between  the  four  angles  a  b  c  d,  is 
divided  into  four  lodging  houses,  having  a  ventilating  shaft  in  the 
206 


GREYHOUND   KENNELS. 


SOT 


middle,  with  which  they  all  communicate.  These  are  filled  with 
benches  separated  by  low  partitions  as  shown  in  the  diagram, 
and  raised  about  a  foot  from  the  ground.  Each  opens  into  a  yard, 
with  a  door  of  communication  so  arranged  as  to  be  left  partly  open 
without  allowing  the  slightest  draught  to  blow  upon  the  beds. 
These  yards,  ab>  be,  cd,  da,  are  all  roofed  in,  and  bounded  on  the 
outer  side  by  pickets  guarded  by  coarse  wire  net,  to  prevent  the 
teeth  of  the  inmates  gnawing  them.  They  are  separated  by  narrow 
partitions,  which  slide  up  to  allow  of  the  dogs  having  the  whole 


Fig.    39.— PLAN   OF  KENNEL. 

run;  or  they  may  be  left  down,  and  the  upper  part  open,  so  as  to 
encourage  the  puppies  to  fence,  by  the  necessity  for  jumping  over 
them,  in  pursuing  one  another.  The  floors  should  be  of  glazed 
tiles,  bricks,  or  cement,  the  last  being  the  most  clean  and  free 
from  absorption,  which  ought  always  to  be  entirely  prevented. 
Each  sleeping-place  and  yard  should  have  a  trapped  drain,  so  as  to 
carry  off  any  wet  directly  it  falls,  and  the  former  should  be  built 
exteriorly  of  brick  cemented  at  least  a  foot  from  the  ground,  with 
board  partitions  between.  A  window  should  be  in  each,  which 
is  capable  of  being  opened,  and  the  ventilation  should  be  secure*! 


208 


KENNELS  AND  KENNEL  MANAGEMENT. 


in  some  satisfactory  manner.  This  always  ensures  a  down- 
current  as  well  as  an  up-current,  so  that  there  is  little  or  no  neces- 
sity for  having  the  door  open  except  for  cleanliness,  but  in  very 
windy  weather  the  ventilation  on  the  side  of  the  wind  should  be 
closed,  or  tae  down-draught  will  be  enough  to  chill  the  greyhounds, 
As  these  kennels  are  to  be  paved  with  a  non-porous  material,  the 
soil  is  not  of  much  consequence,  but  the  situation  should  be  dry 
and  healthy,  and  the  shade  of  a  large  tree  is  to  be  obtained  if 
possible. 
The  kennel  management  of  the  greyhound  consists  in  little  more 


Fig.   40.— ELEVATION   OF  KENNEL. 

than  the  adoption  of  cleanliness,  which  should  be  of  the  most 
scrupulous  kind,  together  with  regular  feeding.  Water  is  by  some 
people  constantly  left  for  them  to  get  at,  but  others  object  to  it  for 
dogs  in  training,  and  they  then  only  give  it  with  the  food.  My 
own  opinion  is  decidedly  in  favor  of  the  constant  supply,  as  it  is 
impossible  to  prevent  these  animals  from  getting  to  it  when  at  ex- 
ercise ;  and  I  am  sure  that,  when  they  are  kept  from  it  in-doors, 
they  take  too  much  while  they  are  out.  On  the  contrary,  if  it  is 
regularly  supplied  to  them,  they  take  very  little,  and  are  quite  care- 
less about  it  at  all  times. 


ETC.  209 

FOXHOUND  AND  HARRIER  KENNELS,  ETC. 

Unlike  the  greyhound  kennel  in  many  respects,  that  which  we 
are  now  considering  must  be  adopted  for  from  thirty  to  a  hundred 
couples  of  hounds,  and  the  accommodation  should  therefore  be 
more  extensive,  while  a  less  degree  of  protection  from  the  weather 
is  desirable,  because  these  hounds  must  be  constantly  exposed  to 
long-continued  wind  and  wet,  and  should  therefore  be  hardened 
to  them. 

The  kennel  should  be  placed  upon  some  high  and  dry  situation ; 
the  building  should  face  the  south,  and  there  should  be  no  large 
trees  near  it. 

Nothing  is  more  prejudicial  to  hounds  than  damp  lodging, 
rooms,  a  sure  cause  of  rheumatism  and  mange,  to  which  dogs  are 
peculiarly  liable.  I  have  seen  them  affected  by  rheumatism  in 
various  ways,  and  totally  incapacitated  from  working.  Sometimes 
they  are  attacked  in  the  loins,  but  more  often  in  the  shoulders, 
both  proceeding  either  from  a  damp  situation,  damp  lodging-room, 
or  damp  straw,  often  combined  with  the  abuse  of  mercury  in  the 
shape  of  physic.  In  building  kennels,  therefore,  the  earth  should 
be  removed  from  the  lodging-room  floor  to  the  depth  of  a  foot  at 
least,  and  in  its  place  broken  stones,  sifted  gravel,  or  cinders, 
should  be  substituted,  with  a  layer  of  fine  coal-ashes,  upon  which 
the  brick  floor  is  to  be  laid,  in  cement  or  hot  coal-ash  mortar, 
taking  care  to  use  bricks  which  are  not  porous,  or  to  °over  them 
with  a  layer  of  cement,  which  last  is  an  admirable  plan.  Outside 
and  close  to  the  walls,  an  air-drain  about  three  feet  deep  should 
be  constructed  with  a  draining  pipe  of  two  inch-bore  at  the  bot- 
tom, and  filled  with  broken  stones  to  within  six  inches  of  the 
surface.  This  drain  is  to  be  carried  quite  round  the  building,  and 
should  fall  into  the  main  drain.  For  a  roof  to  the  building,  I  pre- 
fer shingles  to  tiles  as  affording  more  warmth  in  winter  and  cool- 
ness in  summer ;  but  as  slate  or  tiles  are  more  agreeable  to  the 
eye,  a  thin  layer  of  paper  placed  under  the  tiles  will  answer  the 
purpose. 

Over  the  center  of  the  lodging-rooms  should  be  a  sleeping-aparfr 


210       KENNELS  AND  KENNEL  MANAGEMENT. 

ment  for  the  feeder,  which  being  raised  above  the  level  of  the 
other  roof,  will  break  the  monotony  of  its  appearance.  At  the 
rear  of  the  kennel  there  should  be  the  boiling-house,  feeding-court, 
straw-bouse,  and  separate  lodgings  for  bitches.  In  front  of  the 
kennels,  and  extending  round  to  the  back  door  of  the  feeding- 
house,  there  should  be  a  good  large  green  yard  enclosed  by  a  wall  01 
pickets.  I  prefer  the  former,  although  more  expensive,  because 
hounds,  being  able  to  see  through  the  latter,  will  be  excited  by 
passing  objects ;  and  young  hounds,  for  whose  service  the  green 
yard  is  more  particularly  intended,  are  inclined  to  become  noisy, 
barking  and  running  round  the  fence  when  any  strange  dog  makes 
his  appearance. 

In  the  boiling-house  two  cast-iron  boilers  will  be  required,  one  for 
the  meal,  the  other  for  flesh.  Pure  water  must  be  conducted  in  some 
way  to  the  kennels,  both  for  cleanliness  and  for  the  preparation 
of  food,  and  this  should  be  placed  at  the  service  of  the  kennel- 
man  at  all  parts,  so  that  there  may  be  no  excuse  on  the  score  of 
trouble  in  carrying  it.  There  must  also  be  coolers  fixed  in  pro- 
portion to  the  number  of  hounds,  each  couple  requiring  from  half 
a  foot  to  a  foot  superficial,  according  as  it  is  intended  to  make  the 
puddings  daily  or  every  other  day.  Stone  or  iron  feeding  and 
water-troughs  are  the  best ;  the  latter  should  be  tixed  high  enough 
to  keep  them  clean. 

To  each  lodging-room  there  should  be  two  doors;  one  at  the 
back  with  a  small  sliding  panel,  and  high  up,  through  which  the 
huntsman  may  observe  the  hounds  without  their  seeing  him ;  and 
another  in  the  front  with  a  large  opening  cut  at  the  bottom,  high 
enough  and  wide  enough  for  a  hound  to  pass  through  easily,  and 
which  should  always  be  left  open  at  night  to  allow  free  egress  to 
the  court.  In  addition,  there  must  also  be  another  between  each 
of  the  rooms,  so  as  to  throw  two  into  one  in  the  summer  for  the 
purpose  of  making  them  more  airy.  The  benches  should  be 
of  pine  or  oak  spars,  and  if  they  are  made  to  turn  up  according  to 
the  following  plan  several  advantages  result.  This  plan  is  de 
scribed  by  a  recent  authority  as  follows : 


FOXHOUND    AND    HARRIER    KENNELS,    ETC. 


211 


KENNEL   BENCHES. 

"  My  benches  are  made  of  inch  pine,  cut  into  widths  of  three 
inches,  and  nailed  half  an  inch  apart  to  two  transverse  pieces,  to 
which  hinges  are  fixed  to  connect  the  bench  with  a  board  six 
inches  wide,  fastened  firmly  to  the  wall  about  a  foot  from  the 
ground.  In  front  is  a  piece  of  board  about  three  inches  in  width, 
to  keep  the  straw  from  drawing  off  with  the  hounds.  To  prevent 
the  hounds  from  creeping  under,  I  nail  two  long  laths  the  length 
of  the  bench  across  in  front  of  the  legs,  which  are  hung  with 


Fig   41.— BENCH  FOR  A  KENNEL.—  a  a  folds  to  &  6,   c  c  folds  to  d  d, 
et  hook  to  fasten  bench  back. 

hinges  in  front  of  the  bench,  so  that  when  the  bench  is  hooked 
back  they  fall  down  and  hang  flat.  By  having  the  six-inch  boar.l 
between  the  hinges  and  the  wall,  it  prevents  the  former  from 
being  strained  when  the  bench  is  hooked  back  with  straw 
upon  it." 

In  some  establishments  there  is  a  separate  kennel  for  the  young 
hounds,  with  a  grass  yard  attached,  for  their  own  use,  and  it  is 
certainly  very  advantageous ;  but  with  a  little  management  the 
buildings  above  recommended  will  be  sufficient,  and  with  a  saving 


212 


KENNELS  AND  KENNEL  MANAGEMENT. 


of  considerable  expense.  The  hounds  during  the  hunting  season 
will  not  require  it  at  all,  as  they  should  be  walked  out  several  times 
a  day  into  a  paddock  or  field,  and  should  not  be  allowed  to  lie 
about  anywhere  but  on  their  benches. 

In  the  rear  of  the  kennels  there  should  be  a  covered  passage  into 
which  the  doors  of  the  middle  kennel  can  open,  and  leading  to 
the  feeding-house,  which  stands  under  the  same  roof  as  the  boil- 
ing-house, only  separate  i  from  it  by  a  partition.  This  passage 


Fig,  43.— VENTILATING  SHAFT.— a,  &,  c,  d,  the  four  divisions  of  shaft , 
e\  ft  board  for  distributing  down  current. 

should  be  so  constructed  as  to  make  a  foot-bath  for  the  hounds  as 
they  pass  through  after  hunting,  the  bricks  being  gradually  sloped 
from  each  end  to  the  center,  where  it  should  bo  a  foot  deep,  with 
a  plugged  drain  in  the  lowest  part,  to  let  the  hot  liquor  or  water 


FOXHOUND    AND    HARRIER   KENNELS,    ETC.  213 

off  into  a  drain.  On  each  side  of  this  passage  there  should  be  a 
paved  court  with  a  small  lodging-house  at  each  end;  one  for 
lame  hounds,  and  the  other  for  those  which  are  sick. 

The  ventilation  of  the  rooms  composing  the  lodgings  of  the 
hounds  must  be  carefully  attended  to,  and  for  this  purpose  the 
shaft  shown  at  fig.  42  is  especially  well  adapted.  It  resem- 
bles in  external  appearance  that  usually  placed  above  well-con- 
structed stables,  etc. ;  but  there  is  this  important  internal  altera- 
tion, that  the  square  is  divided  perpendicularly  into  four  triangu- 
lar tubes,  one  of  which  is  sure  to  be  presented  to  the  wind  from 
whatever  quarter  of  the  compass  it  is  blowing,  while  the  opposite 
one  allows  the  foul  air  to  escape,  to  make  room  for  that  descend- 
ing through  the  first-named  tube.  When  this  is  once  constructed, 
it  only  remains  to  lead  a  metal  tube  from  each  of  these  four  com- 
partments to  every  one  of  the  lodging-rooms,  which  will  thus  be 
as  effectually  ventilated  as  if  each  had  an  apparatus  to  itself.  To 
carry  this  out  well,  the  lodging-rooms  should  be  in  a  block, 
and  then  there  will  be  a  corner  of  each  meeting  in  a  common  cen- 
ter, above  which  the  ventilator  should  be  placed  with  the  arrange- 
ment of  tubes  above  described. 

The  kennel  management  of  hounds  is  a  much  more  difficult  and 
important  affair  than  is  generally  supposed,  as  upon  its  proper 
performance,  in  great  measure,  depends  the  obedience  of  the  pack 
in  the  field.  Sometimes  it  is  entirely  committed  to  the  care  of  the 
feeder,  but  every  huntsman  who  knows  his  business  will  take  as 
much  pains  with  his  hounds  in  kennel  as  out,  and  though  he  will 
not,  of  course,  prepare  the  food,  yet  he  will  take  care  to  superin- 
tend it,  and  will  always  "  draw  "  his  hounds  himself,  for  no  one 
else  can  possibly  know  how  to  feed  them.  During  the  season,  this 
duty  must  of  necessity  devolve  on  the  feeder  or  kennel-man  on 
the  hunting  days,  but  the  huntsman  should  always  carry  it  out 
himself  whenever  he  can.  Hounds  can  not  be  too  fond  of  their 
huntsman,  and  though  "  cupboard  love  "  is  not  to  be  encouraged 
in  man,  yet  it  is  at  the  bottom  of  most  of  that  which  is  exhibited 
by  the  dog,  however  much  it  may  appear  to  take  a  higher  range 
when  once  it  has  been  properly  developed. 


214  KENNELS    AND   KENNEL    MANAGEMENT. 

The  regular  daily  kennel  discipline  is  as  follows :  With  the  four 
Jodging-rooms  doscribed  there  should  always  be  two  dry  and  clean 
in  the  early  morning,  having  been  washed  the  day  before.  Into 
these  the  general  pack  should  be  turned,  as  soon  as  the  doors  are 
opened,  or,  if  the  morning  is  not  wet,  directly  after  a  short  airing 
in  the  paddock.  The  feeder  then  sweeps  out  the  room  in  which 
they  have  slept,  and  afterwards  mops  it  clean,  drying  the  floor  as 
much  as  possible,  so  that  by  ten  or  eleven  o'clock  it  is  fit  for  the 
hounds  to  re-enter.  The  men  then  get  their  breakfast,  and  directly 
afterwards  the  hounds  are  taken  out  to  exercise,  or  the  hunting 
hounds  to  their  regular  day's  work.  If  the  form:r,  they  are 
brought  back  to  kennel  at  eleven  o'clock,  fed,  and  returned  to 
their  regular  lodging-room,  or  in  some  kennels  they  are  still  kept 
(n  a  separate  room  during  the  day  and  night,  always  taking  care 
that  they  are  not  turned  into  a  room  while  the  floor  is  damp,  and 
that  strict  cleanliness  is  practised  nevertheless.  The  hour  of 
feeding  is  generally  fixed  for  eleven  o'clock,  but  for  the  day  before 
hunting  it  should  be  an  hour  or  two  later,  varying  with  the  dis- 
tance they  have  to  travel.  Water  should  be  constantly  provided, 
taking  care  that  the  troughs  are  raised  above  the  hight  at  which 
dogs  can  pass  their  urine  into  it,  which  they  will  otherwise  be 
constantly  doing.  As  before  remarked,  iron  troughs  are  the  best. 
After  feeding,  the  hounds  should  remain  quiet  for  the  rest  of  the 
day.  Only  stir  them  in  removing  them  from  their  day-room  to 
their  night-room,  if  two  are  allowed,  which,  I  think,  is  an  excellent 
practice. 

The  food  of  hounds  is  composed  of  meal  flavored  with  broth,  to 
which  more  or  less  flesh  is  added,  or  with  scraps  as  a  substitute 
when  flesh  cannot  be  obtained.  The  relative  value  of  the  various 
meals  is  described  at  page  201,  but  I  may  here  remark  that  old 
oatmeal  is  the  recognized  food  of  hounds,  though  corn  meal  is 
an  excellent  substitute.  After  boiling  the  flesh  until  the  meat 
readily  leaves  the  bones,  take  all  out  with  a  pitchfork,  and  put  it 
to  cool,  skim  all  the  fat  off  the  broth,  and  fill  up  with  water  to  the 
proper  quantity;  next  mix  the  meal  carefully  with  cold  water, 
and  then  pour  this  into  the  hot  broth,  keeping  it  constantly  stirred 


FOXHOUND    AXD    HARRIER    II3.NXELS,    ETC.  21 5 

until  it  thickens;  after  which  it  is  to  be  boiled  very  gently  until  it 
has  been  on  the  fire  for  half  an  hour,  continuing  the  stirring  to 
prevent  its  burning.  Lastly,  draw  the  fire,  and  ladle  out  the  stuff 
into  the  coolers,  where  it  remains  until  it  has  set,  when  it  acquires 
the  name  with  the  solidity  of  "  puddings."  There  should  always 
be  two  qualities  made,  one  better  than  the  other  for  the  more  del- 
icate  hounds,  which  must  be  apportioned  by  the  huntsman  prop- 
erly among  them.  This  may  be  reduced  with  cold  broth,  when 
wanted,  to  any  degree  of  thinness  ;  and  the  meat,  being  cut  or 
torn  up,  is  mixed  with  it. 

In  feeding  the  hounds,  the  huntsman,  having  the  troughs  sup- 
plied with  the  different  qualities  of  food,  orders  the  door  to  be 
thrown  open  which  communicates  with  the  lodging-room ;  then, 
having  the  hounds  under  proper  control,  they  all  wait  until  each  is 
called  by  name,  the  huntsman  pronouncing  each  name  in  a  decided 
tone,  and  generally  summoning  two  or  three  couple  at  a  time,  one 
after  the  other.  When  these  have  had  what  he  considers  sufficient, 
they  are  dismissed  and  others  called  in  their  turn  ;  the  gross  feed- 
ers being  kept  to  the  last,  when  the  best  and  most  nourishing  part, 
has  been  eaten.  By  thus  accustoming  hounds  in  kennel  to  wait 
their  proper  turn,  and  to  come  when  called,  a  control  is  obtained 
out  of  doors  which  could  never  be  accomplished  in  any  other  way. 
Once  a  week,  on  a  non-hunting  day  in  the  winter,  and  every  three 
or  four  days  in  the  summer,  some  green  food,  or  potatoes  or  tur- 
nips, should  be  boiled  with  the  puddings.  They  serve  to  cool  the 
hounds  very  considerably.  If  this  is  attended  to,  very  little  physic 
is  required,  except  from  accidental  causes. 

A  regular  dressing  and  physicing  is  practised  in  some  kennels, 
the  former  to  keep  the  skin  free  from  vermin  and  eruptions,  and 
the  latter  with  the  same  view,  but  also  to  cool  the  blood.  This  is 
by  no  means  necessary,  if  great  care  is  taken  with  regard  to  clean- 
liness, feeding,  and  exercise ;  and  in  the  royal  kennels  neither  one 
nor  the  other  is  practised,  excepting  when  disease  actually  appears, 
and  not  as  a  preventive  measure.  When  it  is  considered  desirable 
to  adopt  either  or  both,  directions  for  their  use  will  be  found  given 
in  the  next  Book. 


216  KENNELS   AND   KENNEL   MANAGEMENT. 

POINTERS  AND  SETTERS. 

These  dogs  do  not  require  a  covered  yard,  and  may  be  treated 
in  all  respects  like  hounds,  the  only  difference  being  in  regard  to 
numbers.  More  than  three  or  four  brace  should  not  be  kept  to- 
gether if  it  can  be  avoided,  as  they  are  apt  to  quarrel  when  not 
thoroughly  exercised  or  worked,  and  then  a  whole  lot  will  fall 
upon  one  and  tear  him  almost  to  pieces.  The  rules  of  cleanliness, 
feeding,  etc.,  are  the  same  as  for  hounds. 


SINGLE  DOGS  KENNELLED  OUT  OF  DOORS. 

Where  a  single  dog  is  kept  chained  to  what  is  called  a  kennel, 
care  should  be  taken  to  pave  the  ground  on  which  he  lies,  unless 
he  can  be  moved  every  month,  or  still  more  frequently,  as  in  course 
of  time  his  urine  stains  the  ground  so  much  as  to  produce  disease. 
It  should  always  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  dog  requires  more  ex- 
ercise than  he  can  take  when  chained,  and  he  should  therefore 
be  set  at  liberty  for  an  hour  or  two  daily,  or  at  all  events  every 
other  day. 


HOUSE   DOGS. 

The  great  bane  of  dogs  at  liberty  to  run  through  the  house 
is  that  they  are  constantly  receiving  bits  from  their  kitchen, 
as  well  as  from  their  parlor,  friends.  The  dog's  stomach  is  pecu- 
liarly unfitted  for  this  increasing  demand  upon  it,  and,  if  the 
practice  is  adopted,  it  is  sure  to  end  in  disease  before  many  years 
are  passed.  The  rule  should  be  strictly  enforced,  to  avoid  feeding 
more  than  once  or  twice  daily,  at  regular  hours,  and  then  the 
quantity  and  quality  should  be  proportioned  to  the  size  of  the  dog 
and  to  the  amount  of  exercise  which  he  takes.  About  one-twen- 
tieth to  one-twelfth  of  the  weight  of  the  dog  is  the  proper  amount 
of  food,  and  all  beyond  this  is  improper  in  most  cases,  though  of 


HOtTSE   DOGS. 


course  there  are  some  exceptions.  Dogs  are  very  cleanly  animals, 
and  often  refuse  to  dirty  a  carpet  or  even  a  clean  floor.  They  should 
therefore  be  turned  out  at  proper  times  to  relieve  themselves.  To 
neglect  to  do  this  is  cruel,  as  well  as  injurious  to  the  health.  J 
have  known  clogs  retain  their  excretions  for  days  together,  rather 
;han  expose  themselves  to  the  anger  which  they  think  they  should 
mcur,  and  I  believe  some  high  cou raged  animals  would  almost  die 
before  they  would  make  a  mess.  Long-haired  dogs,  when  confined 
to  the  house,  are  apt  to  smell  disagreeably  if  they  have  much 
flesh,  and  they  should  therefore  be  chiefly  fed  upon  oatmeal  por- 
ridge, with  very  little  flavoring  of  broth  or  meat  mixed  with  it. 


10 


CHAPTER  IV. 
BREAKING  AND  ENTERING 

FHE  ENTERING  OF  THE  GKEYHOUND  AND  DEERHOUND.— OF  FOXHOUNDS 
AND  HA.RRIERS.— BREAKING  THE  POINTER  AND  SETTER.— THE  RE- 
TRIEVER (LA.ND  AND  WATER).— THE  SPANIEL.— THE  VERMIN  DOG. 

With  the  exception  of  the  greyhound,  sporting  dogs  require  some 
considerable  education  for  the  sport  in  which  they  are  to  be  en- 
gaged. Unlike  the  hound  and  the  dogs  intended  for  the  gun,  grey- 
hounds have  only  their  instinctive  desires  to  be  developed,  and  as 
no  restraint  is  at  any  time  placed  upon  these,  except  that  depend- 
ing upon  mechanical  means  which  they  cannot  get  rid  of,  nature 
has  uncontrolled  sway.  Hence  their  entering  is  a  very  easy  process ; 
nevertheless,  there  are  some  precautions  to  be  taken  which  it  is  nec- 
essary to  describe.  The  deerhound,  as  well  as  the  greyhound,  is 
held  in  slips,  a  single  one  being  used  for  him,  and  a  double  slip,  or 
pair  or  slips  as  it  is  called,  for  the  two  greyhounds  which  form  the 
complement  for  coursing  the  bare — a  greater  number  being  consid- 
ered unfair,  and  therefore  unsportsmanlike.  These  slips  are  so 
made  that  by  pulling  a  string  the  neck-strap  is  loosed,  and  the  two 
dogs  are  let  go  exactly  at  the  same  moment.  They  are  always  used 
in  public  coursing,  but  in  private  the  greyhounds  are  sometimes 
suffered  to  run  loose,  waiting  for  the  moment  when  the  hare  is  put 
up  by  the  beaters  or  by  the  spaniels,  which  are  occasionally  em- 
ployed. Hounds  also  are  coupled  under  certain  circumstances,  but 
they  are  never  slipped  at  the  moment  when  game  is  on  foot,  and 
they  must  therefore  be  made  steady  from  "  riot." 


THE  ENTERING  OF  THE  GREYHOUND  AND  DEERHOUND. 

Whether  for  public  or  pnvate  coursing,  the  greyhound  should 
not  be  suffered  to  course  a  hare  until  he  is  nearly  at  maturity ;  but 
218 


GREYHOUND  AND  DEERHOUND.  219 

as  the  bitches  come  to  their  growth  before  the  dogs,  they  may  be 
enured  earlier  than  the  latter.  About  the  tenth  month  is  the  best 
tiois  for  forward  bitches,  and  the  twelfth  or  fourteenth  for  dogs. 
If  therefore  a  greyhound  is  to  be  allowed  to  see  a  hare  or  two  at 
tais  a-e,  he  or  slie  must  be  bred  early  in  the  year,  in  order  to  have 
a  brace  late  in  the  spring,  so  as  to  be  ready  for  the  next  season. 
Some  people  invariably  prefer  keeping  them  on  to  the  autumn,  and 
for  private  coursing  there  is  no  reason  whatever  for  beginning  so 
early  ;  but  public  coursers  begin  to  run  their  dogs  in  puppy  stakes 
in  the  month  of  October,  prior  to  which  there  is  so  Lttle  time  after 
tha  summer  is  passed,  that  they  prefer  beginning  in  the  spring  if 
their  dogs  are  old  enough,  and  if  they  are  not  they  will  not  be 
fit  to  bring  out  in  October. 

Before  being  entered  the  dogs  must  be  taught  to  lead  quietly, 
as  they  cannot  be  brought  on  to  the  ground  loose ;  if  not  pre- 
viously accustomed  to  it,  they  knock  about  and  tear  themselves 
dreadfully,  and  moreover  will  not  go  quietly  in  slips.  As  soon 
therefore  as  the  ground  is  soft,  after  they  arc  six  or  eight  months 
old,  they  should  have  a  neck  strap  put  on,  and  should  be  led  about 
for  a  short  time  daily,  until  they  follow  quietly.  Some  puppies  are 
very  violent,  and  fight  against  the  strap  for  a  long  time,  but  by  a 
little  tact  they  soon  give  in,  and  follow  their  leader  without  resis- 
tance. The  coursing-field  is  the  best  school  for  this  purpose,  as 
the  puppies  have  something  to  engage  their  attention,  and  until 
they  will  bear  their  straps  without  pulling  against  them,  their  edu- 
cation in  this  respect  is  not  complete.  A  dog  pulling  in  slips  will 
do  himself  so  much  harm  as  often  to  cause  the  loss  of  a  course,  and 
therefore  every  precaution  should  be  taken  to  avoid  this  fault. 
The  leader  should  never  pull  against  the  puppy  steadily,  but  the 
moment  he  finds  him  beginning  to  hang  forward,  give  him  a  severe 
check  with  the  strap,  and  repeat  it  as  often  as  necessary.  It  is  a 
very  common  defect,  but  never  ought  to  occur  with  proper  man- 
ag3ment ;  though  when  once  established  the  habit  is  very  difficult  to 
broals.  Two  or  three  days'  leading  on  the  coursing-field  will  serve 
t )  :na'i3  any  puppies  handy  to  lead  if  properly  managed,  and  they 
may  then  be  put  in  slips  with  perfect  safety. 


220  BREAKING    AND    ENTERING. 

The  condition  of  the  puppy  at  the  time  of  entering, *»  t*>o  often 
neglected.  It  should  be  known  that  a  fat  over-fed  puppy  with- 
out previous  exercise  may  be  seriously  injured  even  by  a  short 
course,  which,  moreover,  can  never  be  assured  under  any  circum- 
stances, as  the  hare  will  sometimes  run  in  a  different  direction  to 
that  which  is  expected. 

A  sapling,  as  the  young  greyhound  is  called  to  the  end  of  the 
first  season  after  he  is  whelped,  should  never  be  trained  ii^e  an  old 
one,  as  the  work  is  too  severe,  and  his  frame  is  not  calculated  to 
bear  it,  but  he  may  be  reduced  in  flesh  by  light  feeding,  arid  allow- 
ed to  gallop  at  liberty  for  two  or  three  hours  a  day.  Wiin  these 
precautions,  he  will  be  fit  to  encounter  auy  hare  in  a  short  course, 
•which  is  all  that  should  ever  be  permitted. 

Whether  an  old  assistant  or  a  young  one  shall  be  put  down  with 
a  sapling  is  a  subject  which  admits  of  some  discussion.  If  the 
former,  the  young  dog  has  small  chance  of  getting  to  work  at  all, 
and  if  the  latter,  he  may  have  so  little  assistance  as  to  be  greatly 
distressed.  Few  people  like  to  put  down  an  honest  old  dog  with 
a  sapling,  and  a  cunning  one  soon  teaches  the  tricks  which  he  him- 
self displays.  Sometimes  young  clogs  have  great  difficulty  in  kill- 
ing, and  want  the  encouragement  afforded  by  blood ;  in  such  cases 
a  good  killer  may  be  desirable,  but  with  no  other  object  could  I 
ever  put  down  an  old  do^  with  a  sapling.  Before  they  are  going  to 
run  in  a  stake,  an  old  dog  of  known  speed  should  be  put  in  slips 
with  the  puppy,  in  order  to  arrive  at  a  knowledge  of  the  powers  of 
the  latter ;  but  this  is  with  a  view  to  a  trial,  and  not  as  part  of  the 
entering  of  the  greyhound.  When  a  sapling  his  run  enough  harog 
to  know  his  work,  and  has  killed  a  hare,  or  been  present  at  the 
death  of  one,  he  may  be  put  by  as  properly  entered  ;  and  the  num- 
ber required  will  average  about  five  or  six — more  or  less  according 
to  the  capability  of  the  p  irticular  animal,  which  will  generally  de- 
pend upon  his  breed. 

The  deerhound  is  entered  at  his  game  on  the  same  principles 
as  the  greyhound.  It  is  always  better  to  slip  him  with  an  older 
companion,  but  beyond  this  precaution  everything  rn'ist  be  left  to 
his  natural  sagacity.  As  his  nos3  is  to  be  brought  into  play,  and 


FOXHOUNDS    AND    HARRIERS.  221 

as  he  may  possibly  cross  the  scent  of  hares  or  other  game,  he  must 
be  made  steady  from  all  "riot,"  and,  if  possible,  should  be  taken 
up,  in  couples,  to  the  death  of  a  deer  once  or  twice  and  "  blooded," 
-o  as  to  make  him  understand  the  nature  of  the  scent.  His  in- 
stinctive fondness  for  it  will,  however,  generally  serve  him  with- 
out this,  but  tue  precaution  is  a  good  one,  and  may  save  some 
trouble  and  risk.  He  will  not  do  much  in  aid  of  his  older  com- 
panion in  hunting  the  aaimal  he  is  slipped  at,  but  when  "  at  bay  " 
he  is  soon  encouraged  by  example  to  go  in  and  afford  his  help,  and 
this  is  the  tune  when  a  second  deerhound  is  chiefly  wanted. 


THE  ENTERING  OF  FOXHOUNDS  AND  HARRIERS. 
Tne  first  thing  to  be  done  with  hound  puppies,  when  they  come 
into  kennel,  is  to  get  them  used  to  their  new  masters  and  to  their 
names,  which  ought  to  have  been  given  them  "  at  walk."  For 
some  little  time  the  puppy  often  refuses  to  be  reconciled  to  its  con- 
finement in  his  new  home,  and  sulks  by  himself  in  a  corner,  refus- 
ing to  eat  and  to  follow  his  feeder  or  huntsman.  This,  however, 
soon  goes  off;  but  until  it  does  there  is  no  use  in  attempting  to  do 
any  thing  with  the  dog.  When  the  puppies  are  quite  at  home,  they 
may  be  taken  out  by  the  feeder,  at  first  in  couples,  and  then  by  de- 
grees removing  these  and  allowing  them  to  run  free.  For  some 
time  it  will  be  prudent  to  take  only  six  or  seven  couples  at  a  time, 
as  when  any  "riot"  makes  it  appearance  there  is  enough  to  do 
even  with  this  number,  and  more  would  be  quite  unmanageable. 
Indeed  the  huntsman  will  do  well  to  take  out  only  a  couple  or  two 
at  a  time  into  the  paddock  with  him,  until  they  are  thoroughly  ac- 
customed to  his  voice,  and  have  found  out  that  he  must  be  obeyed. 
As  soon  as  they  are  tractable  on  the  road,  they  may  be  walked 
among  sheep  and  deer,  where  they  should  at  first  all  be  in  couples, 
and  then  only  one  or  two  should  be  loosed  at  a  time ;  but  before 
Ions;,  the  whole  pack  should  be  accustomed  to  resist  the  temptation, 
uniil  which  time  they  are  unfit  to  b3  entered.  It  is  also  highly 
necessary  that  foxhounds  should  in  the  same  way  be  broken  from 


222  BREAKING  AND  ENTERING. 

hare  and  rabbit;  but  too  much  must  not  be  attempted  with  them 
until  they  are  entered  to  fox,  as  their  spirit  and  dash  would  be  dis- 
couraged, if  the  whip  or  scold  were  always  being  used  without  the 
counter-cheer  in  favor  of  some  kind  of  game. 

All  hounds  require  daily  exercise,  without  which  they  cannot  be 
preserved  in  health,  nor  can  their  high  spirits  be  controlled,  for,  if 
they  are  not  exercised,  they  will  always  be  requiring  the  whip.  If, 
however,  the  huntsman  takes  them  out  daily  in  the  morning  on  the 
road,  which  hardens  their  feet,  and  in  the  evening  in  the  paddock, 
they  are  so  orderly  that  anything  may  be  done  with  them.  For 
this  purpose  the  men  should  be  mounted  in  the  morning,  but  in 
the  evening  they  may  be  on  foot. 

Cub-hunting,  which  is  the  name  given  to  the  process  by  which 
young  hounds  are  entered,  begins  in  August  as  soon  as  the  wheat  is 
cut,  and  the  time  will  therefore  vary  with  the  season  and  the 
country.  In  some  places  it  may  be  carried  on  at  any  time,  but 
this  month  is  early  enough.  It  is  better  to  take  out  the  old  hounds 
once  or  twice,  until  they  have  recovered  their  summer  idleness,  aa 
a  good  example  is  everything  to  a  young  hound.  When  the  young 
entry  are  tc  be  brought  out,  it  is  very  desirable  to  find  as  quickly 
as  possible,  and  some  cautious  huntsmen  go  so  far  as  to  keep  them 
coupled  until  the  old  hounds  have  found  their  fox ;  but  if  they 
have  been  made  steady  from  "riot"  there  is  no  occasion  for 
this.  If,  however,  they  have  never  been  rated  for  "  riot,"  there  is 
no  great  harm  in  their  hunting  hare  or  anything  else  at  first,  until 
they  know  what  they  ought  to  do;  after  which  they  must  be 
rigidly  kept  to  their  game.  But  cub-hunting  is  not  solely  intended 
to  break  in  and  "  enter"  the  hound.  It  has  also  for  its  object  to  dis- 
perse the  foxes  from  the  large  woodlands  which  form  their  chief 
holds  in  all  countries.  Independently  of  the  above  object  cub- 
hunting  is  practised  in  August,  September,  and  October,  first,  in 
order  to  give  the  young  hounds  blood,  which  they  can  obtain 
easily  from  a  litter  of  fat  cubs ;  secondly,  to  break  them  from 
"  riot,"  while  they  are  encouraged  to  hunt  their  own  game  ;  and, 
thirdly,  to  endeavor  to  break  them  of  sundry  faults,  such  as  skirt- 
ing, etc. ;  or,  if  apparently  incurable,  to  draft  them  at  once. 


POINTER3    AND    SETTERS.  223 

These  objects  arc  g  -iierally  attained  by  the  end  of  October,  when 
tlie  regular  season  begins. 

Harriers  and  beagles  are  entered  to  hare  on  the  same  principle, 
the  scent  of  the  fox  and  deer,  as  well  as  that  of  the  rabbit,  being 
"riot  "to  them,  aud  strictly  prohibited.  Otterhounds  also  have 
exactly  the  same  kind  of  entry,  although  the  element  they  work 
in  is  of  a  different  character. 


THE  BREAKING  OF  THE  POINTER  AND  SETTER. 

The  following  observations  on  the  breaking  of  these  dogs  are 
believed  to  embody  the  general  practice  of  good  breakers :  As  the 
method  is  the  same  for  each  kind,  whenever  the  word  pointer  is 
used,  it  is  to  be  understood  as  applying  equally  to  the  setter. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  for  me  to  remark  that  no  single  life 
•would  suffice  to  bring  the  art  of  breaking  dogs  to  all  the  perfection 
of  which  it  is  capable,  when  the  various  improvements  of  succeed- 
ing generations  are  handed  down  from  one  to  the  other ;  and  there- 
fore I  neither  pretend  to  be  the  inventor  of  any  method  here  de- 
tailed, nor  do  I  claim  any  peculiarity  as  my  own.  All  the  plans  of 
teaching  the  young  dog  that  will  be  found  described  by  me  are 
practised  by  most  good  breakers ;  so  that  there  will  be  nothing  to 
be  met  with  in  my  remarks  but  what  is  well  known  to  them. 
Nevertheless,  they  are  not  generally  known  ;  and  there  are  many 
good  shots  who  are  now  entirely  dependent  upon  dog  dealers  for 
the  supply  of  their  kennels,  and  who  yet  would  infinitely  prefer  to 
break  their  own  dogs,  if  they  only  knew  how  to  set  about  it. 
Others,  again,  cannot  afforrl  the  large  sum  which  a  highly  accom- 
plished brace  of  pointers  or  setters  are  worth  in  the  market ;  and 
these  gentlemen  would  far  rather  obtain  two  or  three  good  pup- 
pies and  break  them  with  their  own  hands,  with  expenditure  of 
little  more  than  time,  than  put  up  with  the  wretchedly  broken  ani- 
mals which  are  offered  for  sale  by  the  dozen  at  the  commencement 
of  eTcry  shooting  season.  To  make  the  utmost  of  any  dog  requires 


BREAKING   AND    ENTERING. 

great  experience  and  tact,  and  therefore  the  ordinary  sportsman, 
however  ardent  he  may  be,  can  scarcely  expect  his  dogs  to  attain 
this  amount  of  perfection ;  but  by  attending  to  the  following  in- 
structions, which  will  be  given  in  plain  language,  he  may  fairly 
hope  to  turn  out  a  brace  of  dogs  far  above  the  average  of  those  be- 
longing to  his  neighbors.  One  advantage  he  will  assuredly  have 
when  he  begins  the  actual  war  against  the  birds  in  September ; 
namely,  that  his  dogs  will  cheerfully  work  for  him,  and  will  be 
obedient  to  his  orders ;  but  at  the  same  time  he  must  not  expect 
that  they  will  behave  as  well  then  as  they  did  when  he  considered 
their  education  complete  in  the  previous  April  or  May.  No  one 
who  values  "  the  bag"  above  the  performance  of  his  dogs  will  take 
a  young  pointer  into  the  field  at  all,  until  he  has  been  shot  over  for 
some  time  by  a  man  who  makes  it  his  business  to  break  dogs,  and 
who  is  not  himself  over-excited  by  the  sport.  It  is  astonishing 
what  a  difference  is  seen  in  the  behavior  of  the  young  dog  when  he 
begins  to  see  game  falling  to  the  gun.  He  may  go  out  with  all  the 
steadiness  which  he  had  acquired  by  two  months'  drilling  in  the 
spring ;  but  more  frequently  he  will  have  forgotten  all  about  it, 
unless  he  is  well  hunted  in  the  week  previous  to  the  opening  of 
the  campaign.  But  no  soonor  has  he  found  his  birds  or  backed  his 
fellow-pointer,  and  this  good  behavior  has  been  followed  by  the 
report  of  the  gun,  heard  now  almost  for  the  first  time,  and  by  the 
fall  of  a  bird  or  two  within  a  short  distance,  than  he  becomes  wild 
with  excitement,  and,  trying  to  rival  the  gun  hi  destructiveness,  he 
runs  in  to  his  birds,  or  plays  some  other  trick  almost  equally 
worthy  of  punishment.  For  this  there  is  no  remedy  but  patience 
and  plenty  of  hard  work,  as  we  shall  presently  find.  I  only  men- 
tion it  here,  in  order  that  my  readers  may  not  undertake  the  task 
without  knowing  all  the  disagreeable  as  well  as  agreeable  things 
attending  upon  it. 

Assuming,  therefore,  that  a  gentleman  has  determined  to  break 
a  brace  of  pointers  for  his  own  use,  without  assistance  from  a 
keeper,  let  us  now  consider  how  he  should  set  about  it. 

In  the  first  place,  let  him  procure  his  puppies  of  a  breed  in 
which  he  can  have  confidence.  He  will  do  well  to  secure  a  brace 


POINTERS    AND    SETTERS.  225 

and  a  half,  to  guard  against  accidents  or  defects  in  growth.  Let 
these  be  well  reared  up  to  the  end  of  January,  or,  in  fact,  until  the 
birds  are  paired  and  will  lie  well,  whatever  that  time  may  be. 
They  should  be  fed  as  has  been  previously  directed.  A  few  bones 
should  be  given  daily,  but  little  flesh,  as  the  nose  is  certainly  in- 
juriously affected  by  this  kind  of  food.  Without  attention  to 
bis  health,  so  as  to  give  the  dog  every  chance  of  finding  his  game, 
it  is  useless  to  attempt  to  break  him.  The  puppies  should  either 
be  reared  at  full  liberty  at  a  good  walk,  or  they  should  have  an 
airy  yard.  They  should  also  be  walked  out  daily,  taking  care  to 
make  them  know  their  names  at  a  very  early  age,  and  teaching 
them  instant  obedience  to  every  order,  without  breaking  their 
spirit.  Here  great  patience  and  tact  are  required ;  but,  when  the 
owner  walks  tliem  out  himself  two  or  three  times  a  week  and 
makes  them  fond  of  him,  a  little  severity  has  no  injurious  effect. 
In  crossing  fields  the  puppies  should  never  be  allowed  to  "  break 
fence,"  even  if  the  gates  are  open,  and  should  be  called  back  the 
moment  they  attempt  to  do  so.  These  points  are  of  great  impor- 
tance, and  by  attending  to  them,  half  the  difficulty  of  breaking  is 
gotten  over ;  for,  if  the  puppy  is  early  taught  obedience,  you  have 
only  to  let  him  know  what  he  is  required  to  do,  and  he  does  it  as 
a  matter  of  course.  So  also  the  master  should  accustom  his  pup- 
pies from  the  earliest  age  to  place  a  restraint  upon  their  appetites 
when  ordered  to  do  so  ;  and  if  he  will  provide  himself  with  pieces 
of  biscuit  and  will  place  them  within  reach  of  the  dog,  while  he  pre- 
vents his  taking  them  by  the  voice  only,  he  will  greatly  further  the 
object  he  has  m  view.  Many  breakers  carry  this  practice  so  far  as 
to  place  a  dainty  morsel  on  the  ground  before  the  dog  when 
hungry,  and  use  the  word  "Toho"  to  restrain  him;  but  this, 
though  perhaps  afterward  useful  when  inclined  to  run  in  upon 
game,  is  by  no  means  an  unmixed  good,  as  the  desire  for  game  in 
a  well-bred  dog  is  much  greater  than  the  appetite  for  food,  unless 
the  stomach  has  long  been  deprived  of  it. 

Besides  these  lessons  prior  to  breaking,  it  will  be  well  to  teach 
the  dog  to  come  to  heel,  and  too  keep  there,  also  to  run  forward  at 
the  word  of  command  j  to  lie  down  when  ordered,  and  to  remain 


226  BREAKING    AND    ENTERING. 

down.     All  these  several  orders  should  be  accompanied  by  tha 
appropriate  words  afterwards  used  in  the  field,  viz. 

WORDS   OF   COMMAND   USED   TO   THE   POINTER  AND   SETTER. 

1.  To  avoid  breaking  fence — "Ware  fence." 

2.  To  come  back  from  chasing  cats,  poultry,  hares,  etc.—"  Ware 
chase." 

3.  To  come  to  heel,  and  remain  there—'1  To  heel,"  or  "  Heel." 

4.  To  gallop  forward— "  Hold  up." 

5.  To  lie  down—"  Down,"  or  "Down  charge." 

6.  To  abstain  from  taking  food  placed  near,  equally  applied  to 
running  in  to  birds — "  Toho." 

When  these  orders  are  cheerfully  and  instantly  complied  with 
by  the  puppy,  it  will  be  time  to  take  him  into  tLe  field,  but  not 
until  then.  Many  breakers  during  this  period  accustom  their  dogs 
to  the  report  of  the  gun,  by  firing  a  pistol  occasionally  while  they 
are  a  short  distance  off,  and  in  a  way  so  as  not  to  alarm  them. 
This  is  all  very  well,  and  may  prevent  all  danger  of  a  dog  becom- 
ing "  shy  of  the  gun  ; "  but  with  a  well-bred  puppy,  properly 
reared,  and  not  confined  so  much  as  to  make  him  shy  in  other 
respects,  such  a  fault  will  seldom  occur.  Nevertheless,  as  it  does 
sometimes  show  itself,  from  some  cause  or  other,  the  above  pre- 
caution, as  it  costs  little  trouble  or  expense,  is  not  to  be  objected 
to.  It  is  also  advantageous  to  accustom  the  dog  to  drop  when  the 
pistol  is  discharged,  and,  if  he  is  of  high  courage,  he  may  be 
drilled  to  this  so  effectually  that  he  never  forgets  it.  By  the  aid  of 
a  "  check  cord,"  wherever  the  dog  be,  when  the  pistol  is  discharged, 
he  is  suddenly  brought  up  and  made  to  drop  with  the  command 
"  Down  charge ; "  and  in  process  of  time  he  associates  one  with 
the  other,  so  that  whenever  he  hears  a  gun  he  drops  in  an  instant 
Timid  dogs  may  however  be  made  shy  in  this  way,  and  unless  the 
puppy  is  evidently  of  high  courage,  it  is  a  dangerous  expedient  to 
resort  to  ;  as,  instead  of  making  the  dog,  it  may  mar  him  forever. 

Next  comes  the  teaching  to  "  range,"  which  is  about  the  most 
difficult  part  of  breaking.  Many  sportsmen  who  have  shot  all 
their  lives  are  not  aware  of  the  extent  to  which  this  may  be,  and 


POINTERS    AND   SETTEES.  227 

indeed  ought  to  be,  carried ;  and  are  quite  content  if  their  dogs 
"  potter  "  about  where  they  like,  and  find  game  anyhow.  But  the 
real  lover  of  the  dog,  who  understands  his  capabilities,  knows  that 
for  perfect  ranging  the  whole  field  ought  to  be  beaten  systematic- 
ally, and  in  such  a  way  as  to  reach  all  parts  in  succession — the  dog 
being  always  as  near  to  the  gun  as  is  consistent  with  the  nature  of 
the  ground,  the  walking  powers  of  the  man,  and  the  degree  of 
wildness  of  the  game.  All  these  varying  points  of  detail  in  the 
management  of  the  dog  while  beating  his  ground  will,  however, 
be  considered  more  in  detail  hereafter ;  so  that  at  present, 
taking  it  for  granted  that  what  I  have  assumed  is  the  real 
desideratum,  we  will  proceed  to  inquire  how  this  mode  of  ranging 
is  best  taught.  It  must  be  understood  that  what  we  want  is, — 
first,  that  the  puppy  should  hunt  freely,  which  soon  comes  if  he  is 
well  bred ;  secondly,  that  he  should  range  only  where  he  is  or- 
dered, and  that  he  should  always  be  on  the  look-out  for  his  mas- 
ter's hand  or  whistle  to  direct  him.  This  also  is  greatly  dependent 
on  breed,  some  dogs  being  naturally  wilful,  while  others  from  their 
birth  are  dependent  upon  their  master,  and  readily  do  what  they 
are  desired.  Thirdly,  great  pains  must  be  taken  to  keep  the  puppy 
from  depending  upon  any  other  dog  and  following  him  in  his  line, 
and  also  from  "pottering,"  or  dwelling  on  "the  foot-scent," 
which,  again,  is  a  great  deal  owing  to  defective  blood.  Now,  then, 
how  are  these  points  to  be  attained  ?  By  a  reference  to  the  an- 
nexed diagram,  the  principle  upon  which  two  dogs  should  beat 
their  ground  is  laid  down;  the  dotted  line  representing  the 
beat  of  one,  and  the  plain  line  that  of  the  other  dog.  But, 
with  a  raw  puppy,  it  is  useless  to  expect  him  to  go  off  to  the  right 
while  his  fellow  proceeds  to  the  left,  as  they  afterwards  must  do  if 
they  perform  their  duty  properly.  But,  taking  an  old  dog  into  a 
field  with  the  puppy,  the  former  is  started  off  with  the  ordinary 
words  "  Hold  up"  in  either  line  laid  down,  which,  being  properly 
broken,  he  proceeds  to  follow  out,  accompanied  by  the  puppy, 
who  does  not  at  all  understand  what  he  is  about.  Presently  the 
old  dog  "  finds,"  and  very  probably  the  young  one  goes  on  and 
puts  up  the  birds,  to  the  intense  disgust  of  his  elder  companion, 


228 


BIIEAKJXG    AND    ENTERING. 


but  to  bis  own  great  delight,  as  shown  by  his  appreciation  of  the 
scent,  and  by  chasing  his  game  until  out  of  sight.  At  the  present 
stage  of  breaking,  the  puppy  should  by  no  means  be  checked  for 


Fig.  43.— PLAN  or  QUARTERING  GROUND. 


this,  as  he  knows  no  better,  and  the  great  object  is  to  give  him  zest 
for  fie  work,  not  to  make  him  dislike  it ;  so  that,  even  if  he  runs 
in  to  half  a  dozen  pairs  of  birds,  it  will  do  him  no  harm,  however 
jealous  it  may  make  the  old  dog.  As  soon,  however,  as  the  young 
one  seems  decidedly  inclined  to  go  to  work  by  himself,  take  up 


POINTERS  AND  SETTERS.  229 

the  old  dosr,  and  hunt  the  young  one  until  he  is  thoroughly 
tired  01  until  he  begins  to  point.  At  first,  when  he  comes 
upon  a  scent,  he  will  stop  in  a  hesitating  way,  then  draw  rapidly 
up  and  flush  his  birds,  chasing  them  as  before  ;  but  gradually,  as 
he  tires,  he  gains  steadiness,  and,  after  a  time,  he  assumes  the  firm 
attitude  of  the  true  pointer  or  setter,  though  this  is  seldom  shown 
in  perfection  for  the  first  two  or  three  ilays.  Let  it  be  clearly  un- 
derstood, that  the  present  lesson  is  solely  with  a  view  to  teach  the 
range;  steadiness  in  the  point,  being  at  first  quite  subordinate  to 
this  quality,  although,  in  well-bred  dogs,  it  may  often  be  taught  at 
the  same  time.  Hundreds  of  puppies  are  irretrievably  spoiled  by 
attempting,  to  begin  with  teaching  them  to  stand,  when,  by  undue 
hardship  and  severity,  their  relish  for  hunting  or  beating  the  ground 
is  destroyed  ;  and  they  are  never  made  to  do  this  part  of  the  work 
well,  although  their  noses  are  good  enough  when  they  come  upon 
game,  and  they  stand  for  a  week  if  allowed  to  do  so.  Keep  to 
the  one  object  until  the  puppy  will  beat  his  ground  as  shown  in 
the  diagram,  at  first  single-handed,  and  then  crossing  it  with  an- 
other dog.  Jt  seldom  answers  to  use  two  together  until  steadi- 
ness at  "the  point"  is  attained,  as  there  are  few  old  dogs  which 
will  beat  their  ground  properly,  together,  when  they  find  that 
they  are  worked  with  a  young  one  which  is  constantly  flushing 
his  birds  or  committing  some  other  faux  pas.  For  these  reasons 
it  is  better  to  work  the  young  ones  at  first  singly,  that  is,  as  soon 
as  they  will  work;  and  then — after  they  range  freely  and  work  to 
the  hand  and  whistle,  turning  to  the  right  or  left,  forwards  or 
backwards,  at  the  slightest  wave  of  the  hand,  and  when  they  also 
begin  to  point— it  is  time  enough  to  "  hunt  them  double." 

1 1  order  to  complete  the  education  of  the  pointer  in  ranging  or 
beating  his  ground,  it  is  not  only  necessary  that  he  should  "  quar- 
ter "  it,  as  it  is  called,  but  that  he  should  do  it  with  every  advan- 
tage of  the  wind,  and  also  without  losing  time  by  dwelling  on  a 
false  scent,  and,  above  all,  avoiding  such  careless  work  as  to  put 
ap  game  without  standing  to  a  point  at  all.  I  lave  before  ex- 
plained the  principle  upon  which  a  field  is  to  be  "  quartered,"  and 
described  the  way  in  which  the  dog  is  to  be  set  to  do  his  work,  by 


230  BREAKING  AXD  ENTERING. 

the  hand  and  voice,  aided  by  the  whistle.  As  a  general  rule, 
pointers  find  their  game  by  the  scent  being  blown  to  them  from 
the  body,  constituting  what  is  called  a  "  body-scent,"  and  not  from 
that  left  by  the  foot  on  the  ground,  which  is  called  a  "foot- 
scent."  Hence  it  is  desirable  in  all  cases  to  give  the  dog  the  wind, 
that  is  to  say,  to  beat  up  towards  the  "  wind's  eye  ; "  and,  therefore, 
the  breaker  will  put  his  dogs  to  work  in  that  direction,  and  then, 
though  they  do  not  always  beat  directly  towards  the  wind,  yet 
they  have  it  blowing  from  the  game  towards  them  in  each  of  their 
crossings.  (See  diagram  on  page  228.)  But  suppose,  as  some- 
times happens,  that  the  sportsman  can  not  well  do  this,  as  when 
birds  are  likely  to  be  on  the  edge  of  a  manor,  with  the  wind  blow- 
ing on  to  it  from  that  over  which  he  has  no  right  of  shooting ; 
here,  if  he  gave  his  dog  the  wind  in  the  usual  way,  he  would 
drive  all  the  birds  off  his  own  beat ;  and,  to  avoid  this,  he  begins 
at  the  edge  of  it,  and  makes  his  pointers  (if  they  are  welT  enough 
broken)  leave  him,  and  go  up  the  other  side  to  the  far  end  of  the 
field  (if  not  too  long),  and  then  beat  towards  him  in  the  usual  way. 
It  is  true  that  the  necessity  for  this  kind  of  beating  does  not  often 
occur ;  but  sometimes  a  considerable  number  of  shots  are  lost  for 
want  of  teaching  it,  and  the  perfect  dog  should  understand  it  thof- 
oughly.  When,  therefore,  the  puppy  has  learned  to  range  in  the 
ordinary  way,  and  will  work  to  the  hand  well,  as  before  described, 
give  him  a  lesson  in  this  kind  of  beating  ;  and,  if  any  difficulty  oc- 
curs, send  a  boy  to  lead  him  until  he  is  far  enough  away,  and  then 
let  the  biped  loose  his  charge,  first  catching  the  dog's  eye  yourself, 
so  as  to  make  him  aware  that  you  are  the  person  he  is  to  range  to. 
In  a  few  lessons,  he  soon  begins  to  find  out  the  object  of  this  depar- 
ture from  the  usual  plan,  and  by  a  little  perseverance  he  will,  of  his 
own  accord,  when  he  finds  he  has  not  got  the  wind,  work  so  as  to 
make  a  circuit,  and  get  it  for  himself.  Nevertheless,  a  good  dog, 
who  has  a  master  as  good  as  himself,  should  always  wait  for  or- 
ders, and  there  is  always  some  excuse  for  very  clever  ones  becom- 
ing headstrong  when  they  are  constantly  misdirected.  Let  me 
again  repeat  what  I  have  observed  on  the  importance  of  teaching, 
at  first,  the  correct  mode  of  quartering  the  ground,  and  of  perse- 


POINTERS  AND  SETTERS.  231 

vering  (without  regard  to  standing  or  pointing)  in  the  lessons  on 
this  subject  alone,  until  the  puppy  is  tolerably  perfect  in  them. 
At  the  same  time,  it  is  true  that  some  little  attention  may  be  paid 
to  the  "  point ;"  but  this  of  far  less  consequence  at  the  early  stage 
which  we  are  now  considering.  Indeed,  in  most  well-bred  dogs, 
it  comes  naturally  ;  but  none  beat  to  the  hand  without  an  educa- 
tion in  that  particul?7*  department. 

But  at  this  stage  it  will  frequently  be  necessary  to  correct  various 
faults  whick  are  apt  to  show  themselves  in  young  dogs,  such  as  (1) 
"  hunting  too  low,"  leading  to  u  pottering  or  dwelling  on  the  foot- 


Fig.  44.— "PUZZLE  PEG." 

scent ;"  (2)  hunting  too  wide  from  the  breaker ;  and  (3)  "  blinking,'* 
or  leaving  the  game  as  soon  as  found,  which  last  is  a  fault  depend- 
ing on  undue  previous  severity.  With  regard  to  the  first  of  them, 
there  is,  unfortunately,  no  certain  remedy  for  it ;  and  the  puppy 
which  shows  it  to  any  great  extent  after  a  week  or  ten  days'  break- 
ing will  seldom  be  good  for  much,  in  spite  of  all  the  skill  and 
training  which  an  experienced  breaker  can  apply.  The  method  of 
cure  most  commonly  adopted  is  that  called  hunting  with  a  "  puz- 
zle-peg," which  is  shown  in  the  annexed  cut.  It  consists  of  a 


232  BREAKING  AND   ENTERING. 

piece  of  strong  wood,  such  as  ash  or  oak,  attached  to  the  neck 
by  a  leather  collar,  and  to  the  jaw  by  a  string  tied  just  behind  the 
tusks  or  canine  teeth,  so  as  to  constitute  a  firm  projection  in 
continuation  of  the  lower  jaw ;  and,  as  it  extends  from  six  to  nine 
inches  beyond  it,  the  dog  cannot  put  his  nose  nearer  to  the  ground 
than  that  amount  of  projection  will  allow  of.  The  young  dog 
should  be  well  accustomed  to  it  in  kennel  and  in  the  field,  before 
he  is  hunted  in  it ;  for  when  it  is  put  on  for  the  first  time  it  inevi- 
tably "  cows  "  him  so  much  as  to  stop  all  disposition  to  range ;  but 
by  putting  it  on  him  for  an  hour  or  two  daily  while  he  is  at  liberty 
and  not  expected  to  hunt,  he  soon  becomes  tolerably  reconciled  to 
it,  and  will  set  off  on  his  range  when  ordered  or  allowed.  With  it 
on,  a  foot-scent  can  seldom  be  made  out,  unless  pretty  strong ;  but, 
at  all  events,  the  dog  does  not  stoop  to  make  it  out  in  that  spaniel- 
like  style  which  occasions  its  adoption.  Nevertheless,  when  it  is 
left  off,  the  old  tendency  to  stoop  most  frequently  reappears,  more 
or  less,  and  the  sportsman  finds  that  all  his  care  has  been  thrown 
away.  Still  I  have  known  it  to  cure  this  fault,  and  if  it  fails  I  have 
no  other  suggestion  to  offer  but  sixpenny  worth  of  cord  or  "  a  hole 
in  the  water."  If  used  at  all,  it  must  be  kept  on  for  many  days 
together,  that  is  to  say,  while  at  work,  and  when  left  off  it  should 
be  occasionally  reapplied  if  the  dog  shows  the  slightest  tendency 
to  put  his  nose  down,  or  dwell  on  the  scent  where  birds  have  been 
rising  or  have  "  gone  away."  I  may  here  remark  that  "  false  point- 
ing "is  altogether  different  from  this  low  hunting,  though  often 
coupled  with  it ;  but  this  we  shall  come  to  after  describing  the 
nature  of,  and  mode  of  teaching,  that  part  of  the  pointer's  educa- 
tion. There  is  a  wonderful  faculty  in  some  breeds  of  discovering  a 
body-scent  at  long  distances,  while  they  have  no  perception  of  the 
foot-scent,  and  this  is  the  quality  which  ought  to  be  most  highly 
prized  in  the  pointer  or  setter,  unless  he  is  also  wanted  to  retrievt 
in  which  latter  case,  such  a  nose  will  be  found  to  be  defective.  Bu . 
of  this  also  we  shall  come  to  a  closer  understanding  in  a  f u 
ture  part  of  this  volume.  In  addition  to  the  use  of  the  "  puzzle- 
peg," — which  should  only  be  resorted  to  in  extreme  cases,  and  even 
then,  as  I  before  remarked,  it  is  of  doubtful  utility,— the  voica 


POINTERS    AND    SETTERS.  233 

should  be  used  to  cheer  the  dog  when  he  dwells  on  the  scent  too 
long,  or  carries  his  nose  too  low.  "  Hold  up !"  may  be  cried  in  a 
cheering  way,  and  the  dog  encouraged  with  the  hand  waved  for- 
ward as  well.  Colonel  Hutchinson  recommends  the  previous  in., 
culcation  of  the  perception  of  hight, — in  fact,  to  make  the  dog  un- 
darstand  that  you  mean,  when  you  use  the  word  "Up,"  that  he 
should  raise  his  head.  But  this  is  a  refinement  in  dog-breaking 
which  possibly  may  be  carried  out,  yet  which,  I  confess,  I  think 
practically  inoperative.  Few  of  us  would  like  to  teach  our  hacks 
to  lift  their  knees,  by  giving  them  to  understand  the  nature  of 
hight,  and  then  telling  them  to  lift  them.  We  should  certainly 
find  it  much  more  simple  to  select  hacks  with  good  action,  or  to 
breed  them  even,  rather  than  to  convert  our  colt-breakers  into  cir- 
cus-men. If  there  is  no  other  method  of  attaining  the  object, 
by  all  means  adopt  it ;  but,  when  a  far  easier  one  is  at  hand,  I 
should  certainly  select  it  in  preference.  Nevertheless,  it  may  serve 
to  prove  the  teachableness  of  the  dog ;  and,  knowing  the  extent  to 
which  his  education  may  be  carried  by  patience  and  preseverance, 
I  have  no  doubt  that  Colonel  Hutchinson's  plan  is  capable  of  exe- 
cution, if  the  time  and  trouble  necessary  for  it  are  properly  re- 
munerated. But  we  must  now  proceed  to  the  second  fault,  which 
consists  in  ranging  too  far  from  the  breaker.  This  may  readily  be 
cured,  either  by  compelling  attention  to  the  hand  and  voice,  with 
the  aid  of  the  whip  in  bad  cases  ;  or  by  attaching  to  the  dog's  col- 
lar a  long  cord,  which  is  then  suffered  to  trail  on  the  ground,  or  is 
held  in  the  hand  of  the  breaker,  when  the  dog  is  very  wild. 
Twenty,  thirty,  or  at  most  forty,  yards  of  a  small  box-cord  will 
suffice  for  this  purpose,  and  will  soon  tire  down  the  strongest  and 
most  unruly  dog.  Indeed,  an  application  of  it  for  a  short  time  will 
make  many  dogs  give  in  entirely ;  but  some  high-couraged  ones, 
and  setters  especially,  will  persevere  with  it  on  until  they  are  fairly 
exhausted.  This  "  check-cord,"  as  it  is  called,  is  also  necessary  in 
some  dogs,  to  perfect  their  education  in  other  respects,  and,  indeed, 
is  chiefly  wanted  at  a  later  penod  of  breaking,  not  being  often  re- 
quired at  this  stage. 
Having  described  the  mode  of  teaching  pointers  and  setters  to 


234  BREAKING    AND    ENTERING. 

beat  their  ground,  I  have  now  to  consider  the  best  modes  of  teach- 
ing them  (1)  to  point,  set,  or  stand  (which  are  different  names  for 
the  same  act),  (2)  to  back,  (3)  to  down  charge,  (4)  to  retrieve,  if  con* 
sidered  desirable,  and  (5)  how  to  remedy  certain  faults,  such  as 
blinking,  etc. 

Pointi :2~,  setting,  or  stinding  can  be  readily  taught.  It  will,  of 
course,  be  discovered  in  practice  that,  in  teaching  the  range,  most 
dogs  begin  to  point,  and  nineteen  out  of  twenty,  if  well-bred,  be- 
come steady  enough  without  the  gun,  before  they  are  perfect  in 
the  proper  mode  of  beating  their  ground.  For  these,  then,  it  is 
unnecessary  to  describe  any  other  means  of  teaching  their  trade ; 
but  there  are  some  few  exceptions,  in  which,  even  after  a  fort- 
night's work,  the  dog  is  still  deficient  in  this  essential,  and,  though 
he  beats  his  ground  in  ever  so  perfect  a  manner  and  finds  his  birds 
w  11  enough,  yet  he  invariably  runs  them  up,  sometimes  with  great 
zest  and  impudent  disregard  of  his  breaker,  and  at  others  with  evi- 
dent fear  of  the  consequences.  Here,  then,  something  more  must 
be  done,  and  it  is  effected  by  taking  the  young  dog  out  with  a 
steady  companion  and  hunting  them  together ;  then,  keeping  the 
old  dog  within  forty  yards,  let  him,  if  possible,  be  the  one  to  find, 
and  take  care  to  walk  up  to  him  before  the  }roung  one  comes  up, 
which  he  is  sure  to  do  as  soon  as  he  catches  his  eye  on  the  point. 
Now  use  your  voice  in  a  severe  but  low  tone  to  stop  him ;  and,  as 
he  has  been  accustomed  to  halt  with  the  wora  "  Toho ! "  he  will  at 
once  do  so,  generally  st.mdmg  in  a  cautious  attitude,  at  a  distance 
varying  with  his  fear  of  his  breaker  and  the  amount  of  courage 
which  he  possesses.  If  the  birds  lie  close,  let  him  draw  up  and 
g^t  the  scent.  The  excitement  will  then  be  so  great,  that,  if  the  dog 
is  under  sufficient  command  to  be  held  in  check  by  the  "  Toho  ! " 
he  will  be  sure  to  assume  the  rigid  condition,  characteristic  of  his 
breed  Now  go  quietly  up  to  him,  pat  him,  and  encourage  him, 
but  m  such  a  tone  as  to  prevent  his  running  in, — still  using  the 
"  Toho  !  good  dog  ,  toho !  "—and  keeping  him  for  a  few  minutes 
where  he  is,  so  iong  as  he  can  scent  his  birds,  which  he  shows  by 
champing  ana  frothing  at  the  mouth.  After  the  lapse  of  this  time, 
walk  quietly  forward,  keeping  your  eye  on  him,  and  still  restrain- 


POINTERS  AND  SETTERS.  235 

ing  him  witli  tlie  "  Toho,"  put  up  the  birds,  and  then,  if  possible, 
make  him  drop  wich  the  words  "  Down  charge  1 "  the  meaning  of 
which  he  has  already  been  taught.  But,  if  he  is  very  wild  and  of 
high  courage,  do  not  attempt  this  at  first,  as  it  is  better  to  proceed 
step  by  step,  and  to  teach  each  lesson  thoroughly  before  an- 
other is  commenced.  In  this  way,  by  perseverance  and  hard  work 
(which  last  is  the  keystone  of  the  breaker's  arch),  any  dog,  whether 
of  the  special  breeds  used  for  the  purpose  or  not,  may  be  made  to 
point  when  he  finds  game ;  but  none  but  the  pointer  and  setter 
become  rigid  or  cataleptic,  a  peculiarity  which  is  confined  to  them. 
In  very  high-couraged  dogs,  a  check-cord,  thirty  or  forty  yards  in 
length,  is  sometimes  suffered  to  trail  on  the  ground,  or  is  held  by 
the  breaker,  so  as  to  assist  the  voice  in  stopping  the  dog  wlven  he 
is  wanted  to  make  his  stand ;  but  the  cases  where  this  is  wanted 
are  so  rare  as  scarcely  to  require  any  allusion  to  it,  if  the  breaker 
is  sufficiently  industrious  to  give  work  enough  to  his  charge.  This 
part  of  the  education  is  generally  accomplished  in  a  couple  of 
lessons,  without  trouble,  and,  indeed,  the  young  dog  often  points 
steadily  enough  at  the  first  or  second  scenting  of  game. 

Backing. — When  a  dog  has  acquired  the  merely  instinctive  prop- 
erty already  described,  he  is  said  to  be  "  steady  before,"  and  may 
be  used  alone  or  single-handed  without  any  further  education  ;  but 
when  he  is  to  be  hunted  with  other  dogs  he  requires  to  be  made 
"  steady  behind,"  that  is  to  say,  he  must  be  taught  to  "  back"  an- 
other dog  as  the  latter  stands.  In  very  high-bred  dogs,  this  prop- 
erty, like  the  former,  is  developed  very  early ;  but  the  more  hardy 
and  courageous  the  breed,  the  longer  they  generally  are  in  acquir- 
ing it,  and  therefore  the  young  breaker  should  not  be  discouraged 
if  he  finds  that  his  puppies  give  him  some  trouble  after  they  have 
learned  to  stand  perfectly  steady.  Backing  is  usually  taught  in 
the  same  way  as  described  for  standing,  that  is  to  say,  by  hunting 
with  an  old  steady  dog,  taking  care  that  he  is  one  whose  find  is  to 
be  depended  on,  and  then  stopping  the  young  one  with  the  voice 
and  hand,  or  with  the  aid  of  a  check-cord  if  necessary.  The  great 
art  consists  here  in  managing  to  get  between  the  two  dogs  at  the 
moment  when  the  old  one  stands,  and  thus  to  be  able  to  face  the 


236  BREAKING   AND    ENTERING. 

ptfppy  as  he  rushes  up  to  share  the  scent  with  his  rival,  which  he 
at  first  considers  his  companion  to  be.  Jealousy  is  a  natural  feeling 
in  all  clogs  from  their  desire  to  obtain  approbation  ;  but  it  must  be 
eradicated  in  the  pointer  and  setter,  or  they  never  become  steady 
together,  and  which  ever  finds  first,  the  other  tries  to  run  up  and 
take  the  point  from  him.  To  avoid  this  failing,  leave  the  dog 
vhich  first  finds,  alone,  and  walk  up  to  the  one  which  you  have 
stopped,  pat  and  encourage  him  with  the  word  "  Toho  ! "  in  a  low 
but  pleased  tone  ;  let  him  not  on  any  account  creep  forward  a  step, 
but  keep  him  exactly  where  he  is  for  some  minutes,  if  the  birds  lie 
well.  Then  walk  forward  to  the  old  dog,  but  take  no  notice  of 
him,  and,  with  your  eye  still  on  the  puppy,  put  up  the  birds,  hav- 
ing stopped  him  with  voice  and  hand  if  he  moves  a  limb.  Sup- 
posing the  old  dog  has  pointed  falsely,  the  young  one  is  materially 
injured,  inasmuch  as  he  has  lost  confidence  in  him,  and  next  time 
he  is  with  more  difficulty  restrained  from  running  in  to  judge  for 
himself  ;  hence  the  necessity  for  a  good  nose  in  the  old  dog,  who 
ought  to  be  very  steady  and  perfect  in  all  respects.  It  will  thus 
be  seen  that  very  little  art  is  required  in  carrying  out  this  part  of 
the  education,  which  really  demands  only  hard  walking,  patience, 
and  perseverance  to  complete  it  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner. 
It  should  be  pursued  day  after  day,  until  the  young  dog  not  only 
finds  game  for  himself  and  stands  quite  steadily,  but  also  backs  his 
fellows  at  any  distance,  and  without  drawing  towards  them  a  single 
step  after  he  sees  them  at  point.  When  this  desirable  consumma- 
tion is  effected  to  such  an  extent  that  the  puppy  will  back  even  a 
strange  dog,  and  has  already  learned  to  beat  his  ground  properly, 
as  explained  in  my  previous  remarks,  he  is  steady  and  well  broken 
as  he  can  be  without  the  gun,  and  may  be  thrown  by,  until  a  fort- 
night before  the  shooting  season,  when  he  ought  to  be  taken  out 
again  for  two  or  three  days,  as  in  the  interval  he  will  generally 
have  lost  some  of  his  steadiness.  Still  he  will  only  require  work 
to  restore  it,  as  he  knows  what  he  ought  to  do  ;  and  with  patience, 
joined  if  necessary  with  a  little  punishment,  he  soon  re-acquires  all 
that  he  has  forgotten.  Many  masters  now  fancy  that  all  is  done 
towards  "  making  the  pointer.; "  but,  on  the  contrary,  they  find  that 


POINTERS    AND    BETTERS.  239 

after  birds  are  killed  tlio  puppy  waich  was  previously  steady  be- 
comes wild  and  ungovernable,  and  spoils  the  day's  shooting  by  all 
sorts  of  bad  behavior.  Hence  it  is  that  breakers  so  often  ar^ 
blamed  without  cause ;  but  when  it  is  found  by  experience  that 
such  conduct  is  the  rule,  and  not  the  exception,  young  dogs  are 
left  by  their  owners  to  be  shot  over  by  a  keeper  for  a  few  days,  01 
even  longer,  before  they  are  taken  into  the  field.  Another  reason 
for  this  wildness  may  be  assigned ;  namely,  the  dogs  are  often 
hunted  in  the  commencement  of  the  season  by  almost  perfect 
strangers,  two  or  three  guns  together ;  where'as,  if  their  breaker 
had  the  management,  they  would  be  under  much  more  control, 
and  especially  if  he  went  out  quietly  by  himself.  Here  again  ia 
another  reason  for  gentlemen  breaking  their  own  dogs,  or,  at  all 
events,  finishing  their  education  by  giving  their  dogs  and  them- 
selves a  few  lessons  together. 

Down  charge,  as  already  described,  ought  to  be  taught  from  a 
very  early  period,  the  dog  being  made  to  drop  at  the  word  or  ele- 
vation of  the  hand  of  his  master,  without  the  slightest  hesitation. 
It  is  not,  therefore,  necessary  to  dwell  upon  this  part  of  his  educa- 
tion, further  than  to  remark  that  after  each  point,  or,  indeed,  di- 
rectly after  birds  rise  under  any  circumstances,  the  dog  should  be 
made  to  drop  by  the  voice,  using  the  order  "  Down  charge !  "  or  by 
raising  the  hand,  if  the  eye  of  the  dog  can  be  caught.  "When  this 
practice  is  made  habitual,  there  is  little  trouble  in  carrying  out  the 
order  until  the  gun  is  added ;  but  then  it  will  be  found  that  great 
patience  and  forbearance  are  required  to  prevent  the  dog  from 
running  to  his  birds  as  they  drop ;  for,  if  this  is  allowed,  it  is  sure 
to  make  him  unsteady  in  every  case,  as  soon  as  his  eye  catches  sight 
of  game,  whether  after  the  point  or  not.  It  is  now  that  the  advan 
tage  of  having  made  the  dog  drop  to  the  gun  is  manifested,  for  the 
first  thing  he  thinks  of,  when  the  gun  is  fired,  is  the  necessity  foi 
dropping,  and  if  this  is  encouraged  all  goes  on  well.  Too  often 
the  shooter  himself  produces  unsteadiness,  by  disregarding  his  dog 
at  the  moment  when  he  ought  to  attend  to  him  most  particularly, 
and  by  running  in  himself  to  take  care  of  his  "  bag,"  considering 
that  more  important  than  the  steadiness  of  his  dog.  It  is  true 


240  BREAKING    AND    ENTERING. 

that  a  runner  is  sometimes  lost  by  the  delay  of  a  few  jeoonds  while 
the  discharged  barrel  is  reloaded ;  but  in  the  long  ru/i,  the  shooter 
who  keeps  his  dog  down  until  he  has  loaded,  will  bag  the  most 
game. 

The  faults  which  chiefly  require  correction  at  this  stage  are : 
blinking,  shying  the  gun,  pottering  at  the  hedges,  hunting  too 
wide,  and  chasing  fur.  The  vice  of  blinking  has  been  caused  by 
over-severity  in  punishment  for  chasing  poultry,  etc.,  and  takes  a 
great  deal  of  time  to  remove.  Indeed,  until  the  dog  sees  game 
killed,  he  seldom  loses  the  fear  which  has  produced  it.  It  is  there- 
fore frequently  useless  to  continue  the  breaking,  in  the  spring, 
although  such  a  dog  sometimes  becomes  very  useful  by  careful 
management  in  the  shooting  season.  Generally  speaking,  it  is 
occasioned  by  undue  severity,  either  applied  for  chasing  cats  or 
poultry,  or  for  chasing  game  when  first  hunted.  The  former  kind 
of  castigation,  should  bo  cautiously  applied,  as  the  puppy  is  very 
apt  to  associate  the  punishment  given  for  the  chasing  of  game 
with  that  due  to  the  destruction  of  poultry  or  cats ;  and  as  he  has 
been  compelled  to  leave  the  latter  by  the  use  of  the  whip,  and  has 
been  afterwards  kept  "  at  heel,"  so  he  thinks  he  must  do  so  now, 
and  in  fear  he  comes  there,  and  consequently  "  blinks  his  birds." 
This  defect  is  only  to  be  remedied  by  instilling  confidence,  and  by 
avoiding  punishment;  but  it  is  often  one  which  gives  great  trouble 
before  it  is  got  over.  It  is  not  so  bad  as  the  obstinately  refusing  to 
work  at  all,  but  is  only  next  to  it.  Both  occur  in  dogs  which  are 
deficient  in  courage,  and  both  require  the  most  delicate  and  en- 
couraging treatment  to  remove  them.  Let  such  dogs  run  "  riot," 
and  commit  any  fault  they  like,  without  fear  for  a  time  ;  then  after- 
wards, that  is,  when  they  begin  to  be  quite  bold,  and  are  full  of 
zest  for  game,  begin  very  cautiously  to  steady  them,  and  some- 
thing may  yet  be  done.  In  very  bad  cases,  all  attempts  at  break- 
ing must  be  given  up  at  "pairing  time,"  and  the  gun  must  be 
relied  on  as  a  last  resource,  the  killing  of  game  having  sometimes 
a  wonderful  effect  in  giving  courage  to  a  dog  which  has  been  de- 
pressed by  undue  correction.  Punishment  is  not  to  be  condemned 
altogether,  for  m  some  breeds  and  individuals  without  the  whip. 


POINTERS    AND    SETTERS.  241 

nothing  could  be  done ;  but  it  should  be  very  cautiously  applied, 
and  the  temper  of  each  dog  should  be  well  studied  in  every  case 
before  it  is  adopted.  Kindness  will  effect  wonders,  especially 
where  united  with  firmness,  and  with  a  persevering  determination 
to  compel  obedience  somehow ;  but,  if  that  "  how  "  can  be  effected 
without  the  whip,  so  much  the  better ;  still,  if  it  cannot,  the  rod 
must  not  be  spared,  and,  if  used  at  all,  it  should  be  used  efu 
caciously. 

Shyness  of  the  gun  will  general!}7  also  pass  off  in  time ;  but,  as  it 
seldom  occurs,  except  in  very  timid  and  nervous  dogs,  they  do  not 
often  become  very  useful  even  when  they  have  lost  it.  The  best 
plan  is  to  lead  a  shy  dog  quietly  behind  the  shooters,  and  not  to 
give  him  an  opportunity  ol  running  off,  which  he  generally  docs 
on  the  first  discharge.  When  game  falls,  lead  him  up  and  let  him 
mouth  it  ;  and  thus,  in  course  of  time,  he  connects  cause  with  effect, 
and  loses  that  fear  of  the  report,  which  he  finds  is  followed  by  a 
result  that  gives  him  the  pleasure  of  scenting  fresh  blood. 

Pottering  at  the  hedges  in  partridge-shooting,  is  the  result  of 
using  dogs  to  find  rabbits,  or  of  allowing  them  to  look  for  them, 
which  they  always  are  ready  to  do,  especially  if  permitted  to 
chase  or  even  to  retrieve  hares.  There  is  no  remedy  for  it,  and  a 
potterer  of  this  kind  is  utterly  worthless  and  irreclaimable. 

Hunting  too  wide  for  close  partridge-shooting  may  be  easily 
remedied  by  constantly  keeping  in  the  dog  by  the  whistle  and 
hand  ;  and,  if  he  has  been  properly  taught  to  range  at  command, 
little  trouble  is  required  in  making  him  change  from  the  wide 
beat,  necessary  in  countries  where  game  is  scarce,  to  the  confined 
and  limited  range  of  sixty  yards,  which  is  best  where  it  is  thick  on 
the  ground 

Chasing  fur,  and  also  running  in  to  dead  birds,  are  oft*  n  most 
unmanageable  vices ;  but  either  can  be  generally  cured  by  pa- 
tience  and  severe  treatment,  aided,  if  necessary,  by  the  check  cordT 
or  in  very  bad  cases  by  the  spike-collar  in  addition.  When  these 
are  used,  it  is  only  necessary  to  work  the  dog  with  them  on,  the 
cord  either  trailing  loosely  on  the  ground  or  held  in  an  assistant's 
hand.  Then,  the  moment  the  dog  runs  in,  check  him  severely, 
11 


242  BREAKING    AND    ENTERING. 

and,  if  he  is  not  very  bold,  the  plain  collar  will  suffice,  as  it  may 
be  made  by  a  sharp  jerk  to  throw  him  back,  to  his  great  annoy- 
ance. Pointer  Daisy,  page  237,  took  first  prize  in  her  class, 
York  Bench  Show  of  1877. 


BREAKING  TO  RETRIEVE. 

Retrieving,  in  my  opinion,  should  be  invariably  committed  to  a 
dog,  specially  kept  for  that  purpose ;  but,  as  this  is  not  the  uni- 
versal practice,  it  will  be  necessary  to  say  a  few  words  on  this 
subject.  When  pointers  or  setters  are  broken  to  retrieve,  in  addi- 
tion to  those  qualities  peculiar  to  them,  they  should  always  be  so 
much  under  command  as  to  wait  "  down  charge,"  until  they  are 
ordered  on  by  the  words  "  seek  dead,"  when  they  at  once  go  up  to 
the  place  where  they  saw  their  ^ame  drop,  and,  taking  up  the 
scent,  foot  it  until  they  find  it.  Some  breeds  have  no  nose  for  a 
foot-scent,  and,  if  ordered  to  "  seek  dead,"  will  beat  for  the  body- 
scent  as  they  would  for  a  single  bird  ;  and,  when  they  come  upon 
the  lost  bird,  they  "  peg  "  it  with  a  steady  point  in  the  same  way. 
This  does  not  injure  the  dog  nearly  as  much  as  working  out  a 
runner  by  the  foot-scent ;  but  a  retrieving  pointer  of  this  kind,  is 
of  little  use  for  any  but  a  badly  wounded  bird,  which  has  not  run 
far.  Few  pointers  and  setters  will  carry  game  far,  nor  indeed  is 
it  worth  while  to  spend  much  time  in  teaching  them  to  do  so ;  and 
when  they  are  set  to  retrieve,  it  is  better  to  follow  them,  and  help 
them  in  their  search,  so  as  to  avoid  all  necessity  for  developing 
the  "  fetch  and  carry  "  quality,  which  in  the  genuine  retriever  is 
so  valuable.  But  it  is  chiefly  for  wounded  h;ires  or  running 
pheasants  that  such  a  retriever  is  required;  and  as  the  former 
spoil  a  pointer  or  setter,  and  are  sure  to  make  him  unsteady  if  he 
is  allowed  to  hunt  them,  it  is  desirable  to  keep  clear  of  the  posi- 
tion altogether,  while  pheasants  are  so  rarely  killed  to  these  dogs 
that  their  retrieval  by  them  need  not  be  considered. 

The  regular  land  retriever  requires  much  more  careful  educa- 
tion, inasmuch  as  he  is  wanted  to  «h«t,air  from  huntinsr,  and  from 


BREAKING   TO    RETRIEVE.  243 

his  own  especial  duties,  except  when  ordered  to  commence.  The 
breed  generally  used  is  the  cross  of  the  Newfoundland  with  the 
setter  or  water-spaniel,  but,  as  I  have  explained  in  another  place, 
other  breeds  are  equally  useful.  In  educating  these  dogs,  they 
should  be  taken  at  a  very  early  age,  as  it  is  almost  impossi- 
ble to  insure  perfect  obedience  at  a  later  period.  The  disposition 
to  *'  fetch  and  carry,"  which  is  the  essence  of  retrieving,  is  very 
early  developed  in  these  dogs,  and  without  it  there  is  little  chance 
of  making  a  puppy  perfect,  in  his  vocation.  Young  dogs  of  this 
breed  will  be  seen  carrying  sticks  about,  and  watching  for  their 
master  to  throw  them,  that  they  may  fetch  them  to  him.  This 
fondness  for  the  amusement  should  be  encouraged  to  a  certain  ex- 
tent, almost  daily,  but  not  so  far  as  to  tire  and  disgust  the  dog, 
and  care  should  always  be  taken  that  he  does  not  tear  or  bite  the 
object  which  he  has  in  charge.  On  no  account  should  it  be 
dragged  from  his  mouth,  but  he  should  be  ordered  to  drop  it  on 
the  ground  at  the  feet  of  his  master,  or  to  release  it,  directly  it  is 
laid  hold  of.  The  'consequence  of  pulling  anything  out  of  the 
young  retriever's  mouth  is  that  he  becomes  "  hard  bitten,"  as  it  is 
called  ;  and,  when  he  retrieves  a  wounded  bird,  he  makes  his  teeth 
meet,  and  mangles  it  so  much,  that  it  is  utterly  useless.  A  dog 
which  is  not  naturally  inclined  to  retrieve,  jnay  be  made  so  by  en- 
couraging him  to  pull  at  a  handkerchief  or  a  stick  ;  but  such  ani- 
mals very  seldom  turn  out  well  in  this  line,  and  it  is  far  better  to 
put  them  to  some  other  task.  As  soon  as  the  puppy  has  learned 
to  bring  everything  to  his  master  when  ordered,  he  may  be  taught 
to  seek  for  trifling  articles  in  long  grass  or  other  covert,  such  as 
bushes,  etc.  When  he  succeeds  in  this,  get  some  young  rab- 
bits which  are  hardly  old  enough  to  run,  and  hide  one  at  a  time 
at  a  little  distance,  after  trailing  it  through  the  grass  so  as  to  imi- 
tate the  natural  progress  of  the  animal  when  wounded.  After 
putting  the  young  retriever  on  the  scent  at  the  commencement  of 
the  "  run,"  let  him  puzzle  it  out,  until  he  finds  the  rabbit,  and  then 
make  him  bring  it  to  his  master  without  injuring  it  in  the  least. 
Encouragement  should  be  given  for  success,  and  during  the  search, 
the  dog  should  have  the  notice  of  his  master,  by  the  words: 


244  BREAKING    AND   ENTERING. 

"  Seek  !  seek  !  seek  dead  !"  etc.  A  perseverance  in  this  kind  of 
practice  will  soon  make  the  dog  very  bright,  in  tracing  out  the 
concealed  rabbits,  and  in  process  of  time  he  may  be  intrusted  with 
the  task  of  retrieving  a  wounded  partridge  or  pheasant  in  actual 
shooting.  But  it  is  always  a  long  time  before  the  retriever  be- 
comes perfect,  practice  being  all  important  to  him. 

Many  shooters  use  a  slip  for  the  retriever,  the  keeper  leading 
him  in  it,  until  he  is  wanted,  which  is  a  good  plan  when  a  keeper  is 
always  in  attendance.  In  any  case,  however,  these  dogs  should 
be  made  to  drop  "  down  charge,"  as  the  gun  may  be  used  while 
they  are  at  work,  and  if  they  are  not  broken  to  drop,  they  become 
excited,  and  often  flush  other  game  before  it  is  reloaded. 

The  breaking  of  the  water-spaniel  or  retriever  is  also  a  compli- 
cated task,  and,  as  he  has  to  hunt  in  the  water  and  on  the  banks, 
his  duties  are  twofold.  These  dogs  are  used  in  the  punt  as  well 
as  on  the  edge  of  the  water,  but  when  the  education  is  finished  in 
the  river,  the  pupil  will  generally  do  what  is  wanted  from  the 
punt.  As  in  the  land  retriever,  so  in  this  variety,  the  first  thing 
to  be  done  is  to  get  the  puppy  to  "  fetch  and  carry  "  well ;  after 
which  he  may  be  introduced  to  "  flappers  "  in  July  and  August, 
when  the  water  is  warm,  and  he  does  not  feel  the  unpleasantness 
and  ill  effects,  attendant  on  a  cold  winter's  day  with  a  wet  coat. 
The  young  birds  are  also  slow  and  awkward,  in  swimming  and 
diving,  so  that,  every  encouragement  is  afforded  to  the  dog,  and 
he  may  readily  be  induced  to  continue  the  sport,  to  which  he  is 
naturally  inclined,  for  hours  together.  The  chief  difficulty  at  first 
is  in  breaking  the  water-spaniel  from  rats,  which  infest  the  banks 
of  most  streams,  and  which  are  apt  to  engage  the  attention  of 
most  dogs.  The  dog  should  be  taught  to  beat  to  the  hand, 
and,  whenever  a  flapper  is  shot  and  falls  in  the  water,  then  he 
must  be  encouraged,  to  bring  it  to  land  without  delay.  No  art 
must  be  neglected  to- induce  him  to  do  this,  and,  every  other 
plan  failing,  the  breaker  must  himself  enter  the  water  ;  for,  if  the 
dog  is  once  allowed  to  leave  a  duck  behind  him,  he  is  much 
harder  to  break  afterward.  Indeed,  perseverance  in  the  breaker 
is  necessary  at  all  times,  to  insure  the  same  quality  in  the  pupil. 


THE    COVERT   SPANIEL.  245 

The  object  in  teaching  the  spaniel  the  range  to  hand  is,  because 
without  this  there  will  often  be  difficulty  in  showing  him  where 
a  bird  lies  in  the  water — the  eye  of  the  dog  being  so  little  above  its 
level,  and  the  bird  very  often  so  much  immersed,  that  when  there 
is  the  slightest  raffle,  he  can  scarcely  see  it  a  yard  from  his  nose. 
As  in  all  other  cases,  the  water-retriever  must  be  strictly  "  down 
3harge,"  and  he  must  be  thoroughly  steady  and  quiet  at  heel,  or 
he  will  be  sure  to  disturb  the  water-fowl  when  the  shooter  is  in 
ambush  waiting  for  them.  The  slightest  whine  is  fatal,  and  the 
dog  should,  therefore,  be  taught  to  be  as  quiet  as  a  mouse  until 
ordered  to  move. 


THE  ENTERING  AND   BREAKING  OF  THE   COVERT  SPANIEL. 

The  breaking  of  all  spaniels  should  be  commenced  as  early  as 
possible,  as  they  are  naturally  impetuous,  and  require  consider- 
able restraint  to  keep  them  near  enough  to  the  shooter,  while  they 
are  at  work.  After  teaching  them  the  ordinary  rules  of  obedience, 
such  as  to  "  come  to  heel,"  to  "  hold  up,"  to  drop  "  down  charge," 
etc.,  which  may  all  be  done  with  the  pistol  and  check-cord,  aided 
if  necessary  by  the  spiked-collar,  the  next  thing  is  to  enter  them 
to  the  game,  which  they  are  intended  to  hunt.  These  dogs  are 
better  taken  out,  first  into  small  coverts  or  hedgerows  (provided 
there  are  not  too  many  rabbits  in  the  latter),  as  they  are  more 
under  command  here  than  in  large  woodlands.  The  dog  should 
not  be  allowed  to  hunt  by  himself  nor  for  himself,  but  should  be 
taught  that  he  must  keep  within  shot.  For  this  purpose  spaniels 
must  learn  not  to  press  their  game  until  the  shooter  is  within  range, 
which  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  things  to  teach  them.  When 
they  are  to  be  kept  exclusively  for  "  feather,"  they  must  be  stopped 
and  rated  as  soon  as  it  is  discovered  that  they  are  speaking  to 
*'  fur."  This  requires  a  long  time,  and  therefore  few  spaniels  are 
worth  much  until  they  have  had  one  or  two  seasons'  practice,  from 
which  circumstance  it  should  not  occasion  surprise  that  a  thor- 
oughly broken  Clumber  spaniel  fetches  from  $150  to  $250.  When 


246  BREAKING   AND   ENTERING. 

they  are  too  riotous  and  hunt  too  freely,  these  methods  of  sobering 
them  are  adopted: — 1st,  put  on  a  collar,  and  slip  one  of  the 
fore  legs  into  it,  which  compels  the  dog  to  run  on  three  legs ; 
2ndly,  buckle  a  small  strap,  or  tie  a  piece  of  tape,  tightly  round 
the  hind  leg  above  the  hock,  by  which  that  limb  is  rendered  use- 
less, and  the  clog  has  to  go  upon  three  also ;  and,  3dly,  put  on  a 
collar  loaded  with  shot.  If  either  of  the  legs  is  fastened  up,  it 
must  be  occasionally  changed,  especially  if  the  strap  is  adopted,  as 
it  cramps  the  muscles  after  a  certain  time,  and,  if  persisted  in  too 
long,  renders  the  dog  lame  for  days  afterwards.  In  hunting  fence- 
rows,  the  young  dog  should  at  first  be  kept  on  the  same  side  as 
the  shooter,  so  that  his  movements  may  be  watched  ;  but,  as  soon 
as  he  can  be  trusted,  he  should  be  sent  through  to  the  other  side, 
and  made  to  drive  his  game  towards  the  gun— always  taking  care 
that  the  dog  docs  not  get  out  of  shot.  In  first  introducing  a  young 
dog  to  a  large  covert,  he  must  be  put  down  with  a  couple  of  old 
dogs  which  are  very  steady ;  and,  at  the  same  time,  he  should 
have  a  shot-collar,  or  one  of  his  legs  tied  up.  Without  this  precau- 
tion, he  will  be  sure  to  range  too  wide,  and,  if  he  gets  on  the  scent 
of  a  hare,  he  will  probably  follow  her  all  over  the  covert,  to  the 
entire  destruction  of  the  day's  sport.  With  the  above  precautions, 
he  is  prevented  from  doing  this,  and  by  imitating  his  fellows,  he 
soon  learns  to  keep  within  the  proper  distance.  In  working  span- 
iels in  covert,  stillness  is  desirable,  as  game  will  never  come  within 
distance  of  the  shooter,  if  they  hear  a  noise  proceeding  from  him ; 
hence  the  constant  encouragement  to  the  dogs,  which  some 
sportsmen  indulge  in,  is  by  no  means  necessary.  If  the  spaniel  is 
properly  broken,  he  can  hear  his  master  as  he  passes  through  the 
underwood,  and  will  take  care  to  drive  the  game  towards  him, 
while,  if  he  is  slack  and  idle,  the  voice  does  him  little  good,  and  pre- 
vents the  only  chance  of  getting  a  shot,  which  might  otherwise  occur. 


THE  ENTERING  AND  BREAKING  OF  VERMIN  DOGS. 

Terriers  are  entered  to  vermin  with  great  facility,  and  require 
very  little  breaking,  unless  they  are  intended  to  be  used  with  fer- 


VERMIN   DOGS.  247 

rets.  Then  they  must  be  broken  to  let  these  animals  alone,  as  they 
are  apt  to  make  their  appearance  occasionally  in  passing  from  one 
hole  to  another.  It  is  only  necessary  to  let  the  ferret  and  the  ter- 
rier be  together  in  a  yard  or  stable  for  a  few  times,  cautioning  the 
latter  not  to  touch  the  former,  and  the  young  dog  soon  learns 
to  distinguish  his  friends  from  his  foes.  Some  terriers  are  not 
hardy  enough  to  brave  the  bites  which  they  are  liable  to  in  rat- 
ting, etc.,  and,  indeed,  the  true  terrier  without  any  cross  of  the 
bull-dog  is  a  great  coward,  so  that  he  is  quite  useless  for  the  pur- 
pose. In  such  a  case,  he  must  be  encouraged  by  letting  him  kill 
young  rats  at  first,  and  as  he  gains  confidence,  he  will  perhaps  also 
increase  in  courage.  If,  however,  the  terrier  is  well  bred,  he  will 
rarely  require  anything  more  than  practice. 


CHAPTER  V. 
THE  USE  OF  THE  DOG  IN  SHOOTING. 

3ROUSE  AND  PARTRIDGE  (QUAIL)  SHOOTING. — SNIPE  AND  WOODCOCK 
SHOOTING. — WILD-FOWL  SHOOTING. — SHOAL-WATER  FOWL. — DEEP- 
WATER  FOWL.— HARE  HUNTING.— DEER  HUNTING. 

The  dogs  used  in  aid  of  the  gun  are:  the  pointer,  the  setter,  in 
grouse  and  quail  shooting ;  the  spaniel,  the  beagle,  and  terrier  in 
covert  or  timber  shooting ;  either  of  the  above  in  snipe  and  wood- 
cock shooting ;  the  water  spaniel  or  retriever  in  wild  fowl  shoot- 
ing ;  and  the  hound  or  dachshund  in  deer  shooting. 


GROUSE  AND  PARTRIDGE  (QUAIL)  SHOOTING. 

North  America  is  exceeded  by  no  other  country  in  the  world  in 
the  number  and  varieties  of  its  game  birds,  and  among  these  the 
grouse  of  different  species  and  the  true  partridge— the  so-called 
quail— furnish  more  recreation  to  the  sportsmen  and  more  food  for 
domestic  uses,  than  any  other  of  our  birds.  Curiously  the  partridge, 
so-called  in  common  parlance,  is  not  the  true  one,  but  belongs  to 
the  grouse  family,  of  which  we  have  ten  species,  the  ruffed  grouse, 
(I'etrao  umbellus),  the  prairie  hen,  (Tetrao  cupido\  the  sprnce 
grouse  (Tetrao  Oanadensis)  of  the  East  and  West,  and  the  dusky 
grouse  (Tetrao  obscurus)  of  the  Pacific  Coast,  being  the  most  com- 
monly known  of  these  birds.  The  true  partridge,  of  which  we 
have  at  least  seven  species,  are  commonly  called  quail.  The  best 
known  species  is  the  Virginia  partridge,  (Ortyx  Virginianus}, 
whose  cry,  at  the  brooding  season,  so  nearly  like  "  bob-white,"  with 
a  slowly  drawn  lengthening  of  the  first  syllable  and  a  quick  sharply 
accented  rising  inflection  of  the  latter  one — is  so  well  known  to 
every  rural  dweller. 
248 


GROUSE    AND    PARTRIDGE    SHOOTING.  249 

TJie  Luffed  Grouse  is  scattered  all  over  the  country  east  of  the 
Mississippi,  where  woods  now  exist,  or  have  previously  existed.  It 
is  found  in  cultivated  fields,  patches  of  woods,  and  in  the  deep 
forests.  Under  the  influence  of  moderate  protection  at  the 
breeding  season,  it  is  sufficiently  plentiful  to  afford  recompense  for 
the  time  occupied  in  pursuing  it.  It  is  too  well  known  to  need 
any  description,  indeed  it  is  so  well  known  and  so  constantly  and 
persistently  hunted,  that  were  it  not  an  exceedingly  shy  and  wary 
bird,  strong  of  wing,  and  direct  and  swift  in  its  flight,  it  would 
soon  be  exterminated.  It  is  a  difficult  bird  to  shoot  on  the  wing, 
especially  in  woods  and  thickets,  and  it  requires  a  practised  hand 
and  a  quick  eye  to  bring  it  to  bag,  except  when  started  by  a 
snapping  cur,  often  trained  to  "  tree"  these  birds,  it  takes  refuge 
upon  the  nearest  tree,  and  giving  sole  attention  to  the  dog  is  easily 
shot  by  a  sharp-eyed  hunter,  who  can  distinguish  its  speckled 
brown  plumage  from  the  similarly  colored  bark  against  which  it 
crouches.  In  the  open,  it  is  more  easily  shot  over  a  setter  or  a 
pointer,  and  in  open  woods  with  a  good  dog,  its  chase  is  by  no 
means  so  unsuccessful  as  to  discourage  the  sportsman.  It  must 
be  hit  hard,  to  kill;  and  will  frequently  carry  off  -a  load  of 
shot  to  a  considerable  distance  before  it  drops.  As  it  rises  before 
the  dog  it  flies  off  with  a  loud,  sharp  whirr,  which  greatly  confuses 
a  novice  until  he  becomes  accustomed  to  it. 

7 he  Pinnated  Grouse,  or  Prairie  hen,  is  abundant  from  Texas 
through  all  the  prairie  country  northward  to  Canada,  but  it 
has  been  driven  out  of  the  Middle  States  where  it  was  formerly 
abundant,  in  the  openings  among  the  timber.  Thirty  years'  slaugh- 
ter have  been  sufficient  to  exterminate  this  game  bird  from  the 
Atlantic  Coast  to  the  Mississippi  River,  except  in  a  few  localities 
where  now  it  is  gradually  disappearing  ;  when  it  was  formerly  so 
abundant  as  to  feed  in  the  farm  yards  and  appear  in  the  streets  of 
villages.  This  confiding  habit  has  perhaps  led  to  its  general  de- 
struction. The  attitude  of  this  bird  is  not  so  graceful  as  that  of 
the  ruffed  grouse,  but  its  walk  is  bold  and  erect.  When  startled  it 
runs  with  swiftness  until  taking  wing,  or  squats  until  it  is  flushed. 

In  August  and  September  they  lie  well  to  a  dog,  and  can  be  shot 


250  USE   OP  THE   DOG  IN   SHOOTING. 

witli  cas3.  Later  they  gather  in  flocks,  and  become  wild,  rising  out 
of  gun  shot  and  flying  away  for  a  long  distance;  but  if  followed 
and  again  started  they  scatter,  and,  lying  close,  may  be  flushed  singly 
and  bagged.  In  the  fall  they  frequent  the  corn  fields  and  pick  up 
£ie  scattered  corn,  but  are  difficult  to  shoot  in  such  places,  from  the 
noiso  made  in  passing  through  the  rustling  leaves  which  startles 
t-iem  before  the  hunter  can  get  within  shot.  Sport  under  such 
circumstances  is  weary  and  unprofitable  work. 

The  Dusty  Grouse,  is  the  finest  of  the  whole  family,  exceeding 
all  others  in  size,  and  being  equal  to  any  in  delicacy  of  flesh.  The 
male  has  been  found  to  weigh  3£  Ibs.,  while  3  Ibs.  is  a  common 
weight.  In  color  it  is  generally  greyish  brown,  mottled  with  red- 
dish brown  and  black ;  the  throat  is  white,  crossed  with  black  ;  the 
breast  and  belly  are  lead  color;  the  tail  feathers  are  black  with  the 
terminal  cross  baml  of  grey  usual  in  the  grouse  family. 

The  young  birds  when  half  grown  in  August  are  easily  killed,  and 
are  much  sought  for  on  account  of  the  tenderness  and  delicacy  of 
their  flesh.  The  mature  birds  have  the  same  habit  which  the  re- 
lated species  of  the  east  possess  of  taking  refuge  in  the  nearest  tree, 
and  remaining  crouched  against  the  trunk  on  a  limb.  They  lie 
very  close  to  dogs,  and  are  easily  killed  when  found  away  from 
the  thick  pine  forest  in  which  they  usually  harbor. 

The  Virginia  Partridge  or  Quzil,  is  known  by  its  right  name  in 
Pennsylvania  and  further  South,  although  the  residents  there  make 
up  for  this  accuracy  by  wrongly  calling  the  grouse  a  pheasant.  As 
a  quail,  it  is  wrongly  known  in  Kew  England  and  the  Northern 
States.  No  more  familiar  sound  is  heard  in  the  spring,  when  the 
bird  is  mating  or  brooding,  than  the  cheery  "bob- white"  which  at 
morning,  noon,  and  night,  is  sung  by  the  male  and  answered  by  the 
female.  The  nest  is  made  on  the  ground,  of  grass,  and  is  sheltered 
by  some  tall  tuft.  The  young  birds  run  as  soon  as  hatched,  and  the 
brood  roost  together  at  night  upon  the  ground,  in  a  circle  with 
their  heads  outwards.  If  disturbed  they  take  flight,  each  in  a 
direct  line,  and  thus  spread  in  separate  courses.  The  note  of  alarm 
is  a  low  twittering  sound,  not  unlike  that  made  by  yo-jng  chickens ; 
the  note  of  recall,  after  a  scattering,  is  loud  and  frequent,  with  a 


GROUSE   AND   PARTRIDGE   SHOOTING.  2l 

tone  of  tenderness  and  anxiety  expressed  in  it.  At  t!ie  hunting 
season  in  September  and  October,  the  grain  fields  furnish  a  harbor 
for  feeding  places,  and  beveys  of  four  or  five,  up  to  thirty,  afford 
sport  to  the  sportsman.  The  pointer  or  setter  is  used  to  find  the 
game  and  its  direct,  steady  flight,  makes  it  an  easy  mark  for  a  fair 
shot.  The  partridge  ubound  from  Canada  to  Texas  and  Florida, 
an  I  are  numerous  in  the  great  Western  States.  Their  flesh  is  white, 
tender  and  delicious,  and  a  supper  of  broiled  "  quail"  is  a  sufficient 
reward  to  the  sportrnan  with  appetite  sharpened  by  healthful  ex- 
ercise over  the  stubble  fields. 

Quail  shooting  is  the  most  frequent  and  convenient  sport  both  for 
the  country  dweller,  and  those  who  are  condemned  by  tht  pursuits 
of  business  to  inhabit  the  cities,  from  which  they  can  only  occa- 
sionally steal  awajr  to  the  field.  When  in  pursuit  of  quail,  as  the 
main  object,  all  other  kinds  of  game  are  taken  as  they  come.  Grouse 
and  hares  may  be  picked  up  occasionally,  and  the  expectation  of 
finding  these  add  to  the  zest  of  the  sport.  The  sportsman  is  there- 
fore required  to  be  constantly  on  the  lookout,  and  ready  to  take 
what  it  may  happen  to  be.  It  is  not  wise  to  be  too  early  afield 
after  quail.  The  dew  should  be  off  the  ground,  and  the  birds 
should  have  left  their  roosting  places,  else  they  may  lay  up  for  the 
day  out  of  reach,  or  they  will  not  lie  to  the  dog.  From  eight  to  nine, 
depending  upon  the  weather  somewhat,  is  early  enough.  In  beat- 
ing the  ground,  the  first  thing,  is  to  drive  the  whole  range  up  to 
the  wind,  so  as  to  give  the  dogs  a  chance  to  scent  and  to  get  the 
bost  shots,  as  quail  prefer  to  fly  with  the  wind  rather  than  against 
it.  When  birds  arc  flushed  and  marked  down,  they  should  be  ap- 
proached so  as  to  let  the  dogs  face  the  wind. 

The  best  ground  for  quail,  early  in  the  morning,  is  grain  stubbles 
and  cornfields,  and  meadows  adjacent  to  dry  boggy  swamps,  and 
rank  places  where  briers,  low  bushes,  and  cranberries  grow.  The 
boundaries  of  fields,  especially  where  coarse  weeds  and  brush  is 
growing,  and  on  the  bushy  borders  of  woods,  are  likely  places  to 
find  bevys.  After  these  have  been  beaten,  the  middles  of  the 
fields  may  be  tried.  When  the  dog  stands  still,  with  stern  out- 
atretched  and  rigid,  his  frame  quivering  with  excitement,  the 


252  USE   OF   THE   DOG  IN   SHOOTING. 

game  is  close  before  him.  When  he  wavers,  wags  his  tale  wist- 
fully, and  looks  back,  the  game  is  gone,  or  is  at  some  distance.  If 
he  crouches  low,  and  evinces  a  desire  to  crawl  on  the  ground,  he 
has  a  running  bevy  before  him.  In  the  first  case,  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  take  such  a  direction  in  coming  up  as  will  command  a 
good  shot  when  the  birds  rise,  and  will  drive  them  to  ground 
which  you  propose  to  beat  by  and  by. 

This,  of  course,  has  Jbeen  previously  laid  out  in  the  mind  in 
planning  the  day's  sport.  When  the  birds  rise,  if  a  single  one 
leads,  he  is  the  old  cock,  and  should  be  killed  by  all  means,  if  pos- 
sible. When  he  is  bagged,  the  rest  of  the  bevy  will  alight  sooner. 
When  the  old  pair  has  been  shot,  the  rest  may  be  counted  as 
already  in  bag,  for,  deprived  of  their  leaders,  the  young  birds  are 
bewildered. 

If  all  the  bevy  rise  at  once,  do  not  shoot  into  the  body  of  it,  but 
select  the  outer  bird  on  your  own  hand,  the  right  if  you  are  at  the 
right,  and  the  left  if  your  companion  has  the  right.  When  the 
outer  bird  has  been  dropped,  the  next  should  be  covered  and  shot 
as  quickly  as  possible.  At  least  twelve  or  fifteen  yards  should  be 
given  before  the  gun  is  fired,  otherwise  the  birds  will  be  torn  by 
the  shot.  As  they  light,  they  should  be  marked  down  carefully ; 
if  they  are  going  down  hill,  and  before  the  wind,  they  will  go 
some  distance,  beyond  where  they  were  last  seen.  If  they  enter  a 
wood  or  a  field  of  standing  corn,  they  will  rarely  go  through  to 
the  other  side,  but  on  alighting  will  run  a  few  yards,  and  then 
squat.  If  the  birds  are  seen  to  drop,  they  may  be  marked  with 
certainty,  otherwise  the  nature  of  the  ground,  the  wind,  and  their 
flight,  must  be  considered  before  one  can  be  certain  of  their  where- 
abouts. After  quail  have  dropped  and  squatted,  they  sometimes 
give  no  scent,  and  the  best  dog  may  fail  to  point  them.  This 
h-ibit  of  withholding  scent,  is  supposed  to  be  voluntary  and  in- 
stinclive;  or  it  may  be  a  physiological  peculiarity,  consequent 
upon  their  state  of  alarm,  and  involuntary ;  this  is  obviously, 
however,  a  matter  which  cannot  easily  be  investigated.  But  the 
fact  should  be  known  and  noted,  because  it  is  useless  to  follow 
birds  to  then*  hiding  places  immediately,  and  the  time  would  be 


SNIPE   AND    WOODCOCK    SHOOTING.  255 

thrown  away  in  doing  so.  To  secure  sport,  therefore,  in  the  af- 
ternoon, the  best  way  is  to  continue  beating  the  stubbles,  feeding 
grounds,  and  edges  of  woods  and  dry  swamps,  and  to  secure  what 
birds  are  found,  until  the  scattered  birds  shall  begin  to  call ;  then 
to  follow  up  those  which  have  been  flushed  in  the  morning  and 
markeJ  down,  into  the  precise  spots  or  as  near  as  may  be,  and 
beat  up  for  them  with  patience,  turning  and  returning  until  every 
bird  has  been  accounted  for. 

The  quail  is  a  difficult  bird  to  shoot  in  a  covert ;  it  flies  rapidly, 
as  fast  in  a  thick  cover  as  in  the  open,  carries  shot  a  long  dis- 
tance, and  falls  suddenly  in  the  midst  of  its  flight.  It  is  necessary 
for  the  sportsman  to  keep  close  up  to  his  dogs  when  in  covert, 
and  not  to  lag  behind  on  any  account  whatever,  lest  he  have  only 
his  labor  and  an  empty  bag  for  his  pains. 

When  ruffed  grouse  have  been  flushed  while  hunting  quail,  it  is 
not  difficult  to  bag  them  if  the  precaution  is  taken  to  shoot  fully 
three  feet  ahead  of  him  if  he  be  sailing  down  on  the  wind  with 
the  wings  set ;  otherwise,  when  he  rises  within  range,  he  hangs  at 
first,  and  if  one  is  cool  and  shoots  quickly,  it  is  not  so  hard  a 
matter  to  drop  him. 


SNIPE  AND  WOODCOCK  SHOOTING. 

The  first  game  shooting  after  the  winter  is  over,  is  that  of  the 
English  or  Wilson's  snipe  As  soon  as  the  frost  is  out  of 
the  ground,  snipe  may  be  hunted  in  low  wet  places  and  meadow 
swamps.  Here  they  may  be  found  resting  for  a  time  before 
going  further  north  to  their  breeding  places.  When  first  arrived, 
they  are  wild  and  shift  constantly  from  place  to  place ;  sometimes 
they  fly  in  knots  of  10  or  20  birds,  and  rise  high,  soaring  and  de- 
parting out  of  sight.  No  other  sport  depends  more  upon  the  state 
of  the  weather  than  this ;  nor  is  any  other  more  uncertain,  on  ac- 
count of  the  errratic  and  capricious  nature  of  these  birds.  The 
most  promising  conditions  for  sport  are  the  clearing  of  a  violent 


256          USE  OF  THE  DOG  IN  SHOOTING. 

N.  E.  storin  into  soft,  warm  weather,  the  partial  drying  up  of  the 
early  spring  floods,  and  the  blowing  of  a  warm,  south-westerly 
Lreeze.  Rough  weather  disturbs  the  conditions,  and  shooting  then 
will  be  a  matter  of  great  uncertainty.  At  times,  snipe  will  lie  in 
uplands,  fallow  fields,  grassy  meadows,  and  even  in  woodlands; 
while  in  the  marshes  one  may  find  plenty  of  borings  and  drop- 
pings, but  not  a  bird.  Sometimes  one  cannot  choose,  and  having 
coine  to  shoot,  must  do  the  best  he  can.  Then,  even  in  rough 
squally  weather,  birds  may  be  found  about  springs  and  muddy 
pools,  surrounded  by  brakes  and  briers,  or  tall  alders,  or  high 
bunches  of  marsh  grass  or  reeds.  Thus  the  sportsman  who  is 
after  snipe,  to  succeed  in  his  aims,  must  know  the  character  of  his 
gamo  and  the  ins  and  outs  of  its  curious  disposition. 

A  dark  day,  a  drizzly  day,  or  a  windy,  is  not  favorable  to  sport, 
unless  the  wind  is  from  the  south  or  west  and  not  too  high.  A 
mild,  soft,  hazy,  sunshiny  day,  with  a  gentle  south  breeze,  is  jusv 
fie  diy  for  snipe.  It  may  be  hot,  and  if  the  air  is  damp,  and  thb 
breeze  gentle,  the  birds  will  lie  the  closer  for  it,  and  on  such  a  day 
their  flight  is  lazy  and  they  will  drop  often  within  a  few  yards  of 
the  dog  that  has  flushed  them.  Then  there  are  no  easier  birds  to 
kill ;  all  that  has  to  be  done  is  to  let  them  get  away  a  fair  dis- 
tance, so  as  to  allow  for  the  shot  to  spread,  then  cover  the  bird 
well  before  the  trigger  is  touched,  all  the  time  taking  things 
coolly  and  deliberately. 

Snipe  nearly  always  rise  against  and  go  away  up-wind,  as 
closely  as  possible ;  consequently  the  mode  of  beating  for  this 
game  is  different  from  that  used  for  any  other.  It  is  generally  the 
practice  to  beat  clown-wind,  and  the  ground  is  to  be  entered  from 
the  windward  instead  of  from  the  leeward  as  for  all  other  game. 
If  this  is  not  possible,  the  ground  must  be  beaten  diagonally,  and 
all  the  most  likely  spots,  approached  by  a  circuit  so  as  to  come  on 
the  windward  side  of  it.  If  the  dog  points,  the  sportsman  must 
make  a  circuit  around  so  as  to  get  the  bird,  down- wind  of  him,  and 
for  this  reason  it  is  very  necessary  to  have  a  steady  dog. 

For  young  sportsmen,  a  pointer  is  recommended,  but  for  old 
and  practised  sportsmen,  a  setter  is  preferred.  When  the  birds 


WOODCOCK    SHOOTING.  257 

are  plentiful,  a  dog  is  not  necessary,  as  they  lie  to  a  man  alone,  as 
well  as  to  a  man  with  a  dog ;  but  if  the  ground  to  be  beaten  is 
wide,  and  the  birds  few,  the  help  of  a  dog  is  needed.  A  dog  must 
be  stanch  as  well  as  steady,  and  should  be  immovable  on  his  point ; 
he  must  not  crawl  in  or  approach  the  bird,  but  must  remain  stiff, 
even  though  the  shooter  may  have  to  make  a  circuit  and  come 
round  facing  him.  He  must  be  trained  to  obey  the  hand.  He 
must  follow  at  heel  when  called  in,  without  attempting  to  beat 
until  ordered.  This  is  a  great  point  in  snipe-shooting,  for  a  bird 
will  lie  close  to  a  man  after  having  been  marked  down,  when  it 
would  flush  wide  of  a  dog  ;  and  when  marked  down,  a  snipe  can 
always  be  found  because  it  never  runs  more  than  a  few  feet  from 
the  spot  where  it  alighted.  By  going  down-\*  ind  on  the  game, 
the  sportsman  forces  the  bird  to  go  away  to  the  right  or  left  hand, 
as  it  tries  to  fly  up- wind  and  thus  afford  a  side  shot.  The  moment 
to  deliver  the  shot  is  when  the  snipe  poises  itself  after  first  rising, 
and  before  it  gets  under  way.  It  is  then  almost  motionless  for  an 
instant,  and  if  it  rises  15  yards  from  the  gun — and  it  seldom  rises 
nearer — this  is  the  time  to  shoot.  As  the  snipe  flies  quickly,  it  is 
necessary  to  aim  the  gun  a  foot  ahead  of  him  at  20  yards,  and  at 
40  yards  three  feet  space  should  be  allowed. 

In  the  fall  of  the  year  their  is  less  uncertainty  in  the  habits  of 
the  birds,  and  they  are  neither  so  wild  nor  unsteady  as  in  the 
spring. 


WOODCOCK    SHOOTING. 

Custom  or  law  has  authorized  the  beginning  of  cock  shooting  on 
the  1st  day  of  July  in  most  of  our  States,  but  it  is  too  early,  both 
on  account  of  the  heat  of  the  weather  and  the  condition  of  the 
birds.  At  this  period  many  broods  of  woodcock  are  but  recently 
hatched,  so  that  the  killing  of  the  hen  bird,  is  the  destruction  of 
the  young  brood.  This  may  perhaps  account  for  the  fact  that 
these  birds  are  rapidly  diminishing  in  numbers,  and  in  many  places 
have  been  exterminated. 


258  USE    OF   THE    DOG   IN    SHOOTING. 

Woodcock  return  year  after  year  to  the  same  wood  to  breed,  and 
if  owners  of  grounds  could  or  would  prevent  shooting  birds  too 
early  in  the  season,  their  care  would  be  for  their  own  benefit,  as 
well  as  for  that  of  the  public. 

Early  morning  and  late  afternoon  are  the  times  to  be  preferred 
for  summer  shooting,  though,  as  this  bird  feeds  and  lies  upon  the 
same  ground  all  day  long,  it  may  be  pursued  at  any  time. 

The  only  difficulty  in  shooting  woodcock  is  in  the  thickness  of 
the  covert  in  which  they  lie.  In  the  summer  the  old  birds  rise 
heavily  and  often  drop  close  to  the  gun  in  the  effort  to  cover  their 
young  broods ;  the  young  ones  rise  stupidly,  and  can  be  found 
again  within  a  score  or  two  yards.  In  shooting  in  a  thick  covert, 
one  of  the  guns  should  be  placed  in  an  open  spot  where  the  bird 
can  be  seen,  as  it  rises,  because  the  one  whose  point  is  made  can 
scarcely  get  a  sight  of  the  bird,  at  times  unless  he  is  very  quick. 
Under  these  circumstances  it  is  best  for  the  shooter  to  flush  his 
birds  and  not  suffer  the  dog  to  do  it ;  in  no  case  should  he  permit 
his  dog  to  go  out  of  sight. 

The  choice  of  ground,  depends  upon  the  season  and  various  other 
circumstances.  In  some  places  the  birds  lie  in  open  meadows 
among  rushes,  bogs,  and  water-plants,where  there  is  no  brush.  They 
are  rarely  found  in  woods.  In  other  places  they  will  be  found  in 
brakes  of  alders  where  there  is  a  muddy  bottom,  or  in  grassy 
meadows  where  slow  running  brooks  and  swales  exist,  with 
patches  of  willow  and  tall  weeds  about  them.  In  the  valleys  of  the 
mountain  ranges  they  haunt  the  sides  of  low  meadows  at  the  foot 
of  hills,  and  spots  where  streams  emerge  into  the  lowlands  upon 
bads  of  black  oozy  vegetable  matter,  covered  with  water  plants. 
A  favorite  feeding  ground  is  in  open  woods,  upon  rich,  black  allu- 
vial soil,  covered  with  short  bunchy  grass  with  soft  spots  inter- 
mingled, and  where  there  is  no  undergrowth ;  also  in  thick,  red 
maple  swamps  on  flat  lands  adjacent  to  river  banks  which  are 
overflowed.  In  dry,  hot  weather,  the  cool,  shady,  moist  ground 
is  most  attractive  to  them. 

When  woodcock  are  not  to  be  found  in  one  favorable  place,  they 
may  often  be  found  in  others  which  might  be  supposed  to  be  unat- 


WOODCOCK    SHOOTING.  261 

tractive,  so  that  not  only  must  the  sportsman  be  patient  and  perse- 
vering, but  he  must  also  be  observing,  and  make  use  of  his  well 
earned  experience.  Later  in  the  season  cock  are  to  be  found  not 
only  in  such  places  as  have  been  indicated,  but  upon  damp,  springy 
hill  sides,  where  chestnuts  are  mixed  with  laurels  and  low  eveiv 
greens.  Indeed  as  the  season  lengthens  out  to  November,  such 
hill  sides  supply  these  birds,  with  the  most  of  their  favorite  food, 
which  they  find  hidden  under  fallen  leaves.  They  are  always 
apt  to  be  found  where  their  food  is  most  abundant.  After  this 
month  the  annual  migration  occurs,  and  the  birds  silently  steal 
away  singly,  and  in  the  night,  to  their  winter  quarters. 

The  difference  in  the  size  of  the  male  and  female  woodcock  is 
decidedly  marked ;  so  much  is  this  the  case  that  warm  contro- 
versies have  occurred  between  experienced  sportsmen  upon  this 
subject ;  some  maintaining  that  there  are  two  distinct  species  of 
the  bird  in  this  country.  It  was  finally  settled  that  the  greater  size 
of  the  female  had  misled  many  observant  sportsmen.  Woodcock 
make  annual  migrations  in  the  spring  and  autumn,  arriving  in  the 
Middle  States  from  the  latter  part  of  February  or  first  week  of 
March,  according  as  the  season  may  be  open  or  severe,  and  depart- 
ing in  the  months  of  November  and  December.  In  the  autumn 
migration,  the  birds  that  have  recently  arrived,  are  called  "  Flight" 
birds,  and  are  distinguished  by  the  feathers  on  the  breast  being 
brighter  in  color  than  of  those  that  have  been  lying  in  the  feeding 
ground  for  some  time;  the  latter's  breast  color  being  decidedly 
duller  in  hue.  Many  young  cock  are  lost  during  the  early  freshets. 
Sometimes  the  weather  is  dry  and  mild  in  the  early  part  of  spring, 
ani  the  woodcock  hatching  her  brood  is  overtaken  by  rainy  weath- 
er, when  the  young  are  drowned,  or,  if  unhatched,  the  eggs  are 
destroyed.  Consequently,  the  sportsmen  always  desire  a  continued 
dry  spring,  as  it  is  especially  favorable  to  the  increase  of  all  species 
of  game.  The  woodcock  often  feeds  in  the  night,  and  persons 
but  slightly  acquainted  with  their  habits  are  astonished  at  discov- 
ering in  the  morning,  the  amount  of  borings,  covering  the  soft 
ground  in  a  favorite  feeding  place.  In  very  dry  weather  woodcock 
gather  in  the  low  wet  swamps,  while  after  a  rain  of  a  day  or  two's 


262  USE    OF   THE   DOG   IN   SHOOTING. 

duration,  they  scatter  through  the  woods,  and  may  be  found  on 
hill  sides,  and,  in  fact,  on  much  the  same  ground  as  in  the  fall. 
They  are  a  most  devoted  and  fearless  bird.  While  on  the  nest  a 
person  may  stand  quietly  within  a  very  short  distance  of  one,  and  if 
no  unusual  motion  or  noise  is  made,  the  hen-bird  will  gaze  without 
fear  upon  the  intruder. 


WILD-FOWL   SHOOTING. 

The  shooting  of  water-fowl  is  a  sport  attended  with  too  much 
labor,  fatigue  and  exposure  to  render  it  very  attractive  to  any  but 
experienced  and  eager  sportsmen,  who  have  perhaps  become  sated 
with  the  commoner  recreations  of  grouse,  snipe,  quail,  or  wood- 
cock shooting.  Familiarity  with  this  sport  is  only  arrived  at 
through  many  hardships,  if  not  risks,  and  exposures  in  all  sorts  of 
weather.  Consequently,  there  are  few  persons  besides  those  who 
hunt  for  a  living,  who  have  acquired  the  necessary  knowledge  of 
the  habits  and  natural  history  of  the  birds,  and  the  proper  methods 
of  circumventing  the  instinctive  wariness  of  water-fowl,  and  tak- 
ing advantage  of  their  pecaliar  ways,  to  shoot  them  successfully. 
Yet  when  a  taste  for  the  sport  has  been  once  acquired,  or  the  first 
experience  of  it  has  been  agreeable,  there  is  no  other  that  becomes 
more  fascinating. 

Water-fowl  may  be  divided  into  two  classes,  those  which  are 
found  in  shoal  water,  and  those  which  inhabit  the  deep  waters  of 
the  sounds  and  inlets  of  the  sea-coast.  The  mallard  and  the  dif- 
ferent teals  are  examples  of  the  former,  and  the  canvas-back  is 
the  type  of  the  latter.  The  shoal  water  birds  rarely  go  under 
water  when  feeding,  although  they  will  dive  and  swim  long  dis- 
tances under  water,  when  wounded  or  alarmed.  This  class  of 
birds  includes  the  mallard,  the  blue  and  green  winged  teal,  the 
summer  or  wood  duck,  the  pintail,  the  grey  duck,  shoveler,  wid- 
geon, and  the  black  or  dusky  duck,  together  with  the  wild  goose. 
The  deep  water  varieties  include  the  canvas-back,  the  broad  bill, 
tufted  duck,  and  the  buffle  head. 


WILD-FOWL  SHOOTING.  263 

The  methods  of  hunting  wild  fowl  in  general  use  require  the 
exercise  of  considerable  ingenuity  and  knowledge  af  the  habits  of 
the  different  species,  their  feeding  places,  and  favorite  food.  Their 
extreme  wariness  and  the  necessity  of  finding  the  game  without 
the  help  of  dogs,  retrieving  being  the  only  help  afforded  by  them, 
add  much  to  the  labor  and  excitement  of  the  sport.  The  ground, 
or  rather  the  water,  where  the  fowl  abound,  is  generally  inland 
rivers  and  ponds,  bordered  by  reedy  marshes  and  the  tidal  flats  of 
estuaries.  There  is  scarcely  a  river  or  marsh  in  the  country  East 
or  West,  or  North  or  South,  where  ducks  of  some  variety  or  other 
are  not  found  at  some  season  of  the  year,  and  sometimes  in  fabu- 
lous numbers.  The  opening  of  the  spring  and  the  fall  are  the 
sporting  seasons  The  birds  are  taken  either  by  means  of  decoys, 
or  by  awaiting  their  passage  over  a  place  of  ambush  in  which  the 
hunter  is  concealed.  A  boat  is  generally  used,  else  the  labor  of 
wading  through  the  marshes  and  picking  roundabout  paths  to 
avoid  deep  sloughs  is  intolerable. 

Sometimes  two  persons  hunt  in  company,  yet  at  a  distance  from 
each  other,  one  driving  the  birds  towards  the  other,  and  the  latter 
driving  them  back  again.  In  this  way  many  heavy  bags  are  pro- 
cured. Blinds  or  screens  are  provided,  behind  which  the  hunter 
keeps  himself  concealed  until  the  moment  when  the  game  are 
within  range  of  his  gun.  These  blinds  are  made  in  various  ways. 
Full  information  for  their  construction  is  given  in  the  volume 
by  J.  W.  Long,  entitled  "  American  Wild-fowl  Shooting." 

Decoys  are  employed  to  allure  the  passing  flocks  or  stragglers  to 
alight,  being  placed  in  such  positions  as  are  habitually  chosen  by 
the  fowl.  Thess  decoys  are  mostly  selected  for  the  deep-water  vari- 
ties,  which  can  not  be  so  well  approached  as  those  which  haunt 
the  ponds,  rivers,  and  marshes,  from  the  banks  of  which,  screened 
from  observation  behind  his  blind,  the  hunter  can  easily  reach  the 
approaching  game.  Decoys  of  various  kinds  are  used.  Those 
made  of  pine,  and  thoroughly  coated  with  priming  of  raw  oil, 
are  to  be  preferred,  as  they  are  light  and  durable.  The  main  thing 
in  the  decoy  is  to  have  it  as  natural  as  possible  in  form  and  color, 
and  so  built  up  and  weighted  that  it  will  sit  steadily  in  the  water 


264          USE  OP  THE  DOG  IN  SHOOTING. 

without  rolling  or  losing  an  upright  position.  A  finishing  coat  of 
varnish  will  spoil  the  best  made  decoy,  on  account  of  its  glaring 
and  glistening  in  the  sun.  A  dead  surface  is  the  best.  The 
weight  needed  to  steady  the  decoy  should  be  made  of  a  strip  of 
sheet  lead,  placed  in  a  groove  at  the  bottom,  and  formed  like  the 
keel  of  a  boat.  Where  smooth  water  only  is  to  be  met  with,  flat- 
bottomed  decoys  can  be  used.  These  may  be  carved  out  of  a 
piece  of  soft  pine  plank,  but  for  rough  water  use,  two  pieces  are 
needed ;  one  for  the  top  and  another  for  the  bottom,  which  are 
hollowed  out,  then  put  together  and  painted.  Decoys  are  pro- 
vided with  a  line  suited  to  the  depth  of  the  water,  and  a  weight  of 
not  less  than  four  ounces,  made  of  a  quarter  length  of  a  pound  bar 
of  lead  of  the  kind  used  for  bullets.  The  line  is  wound  around 
the  body  of  the  duck,  towards  the  tail,  from  which  it  unwinds 
easily  as  the  weight  is  thrown  out,  when  the  decoys  are  set.  A 
long  string  is  usually  tied  to  one  of  the  decoys  by  which  it  may  be 
shaken  so  as  to  ripple  the  water,  and  cause  the  whole  flock  of 
them  to  move.  A  "  duck  call  "  being  used  at  the  same  time  when 
birds  are  passing  will  almost  surely  attract  their  notice.  The  de- 
coys are  best  placed,  so  that  the  sun  shines  on  the  side  towards 
which  the  ducks  are  expected. 

A  Water  Retriever,  or  a  dog  that  will  take  to  water  readily  and 
is  furnished  with  a  coat  of  a  nature  that  resists  water,  is  used  in 
duck  shooting.  Whatever  kind  is  selected,  whether  a  well-bred 
early-coated  retreiver,  a  water  spaniel,  or  a  Chesapeake  Bay  dog, 
he  must  be  well  trained  for  his  work,  and  not  averse  to  taking  to 
the  water  however  cold  it  may  be.  The  only  native  dog  of  the 
ri-jjht  kind  we  have,  is  known  as  the  Chesapeake  Bay  dog.  Though 
a  descendent  of  the  curly-coated  Irish  retriever  without  doubt, 
he  has  been  educated  to  his  work  by  breeding  and  training  for 
some  years.  There  is  no  better  hunting  ground  in  America  for 
wild  fowl,  than  the  Chesapeake  Bay  and  its  inlets  and  the 
sounds  along  the  North  Carolina  Coast,  and  here  this  useful  dog  has 
his  home  and  vocation.  The  dog  used  for  this  sport  is  trained 
first  to  know  his  name;  then  to  instantly  drop,  wherever  he 
may  be,  at  a  word  or  a  signal  of  the  hand,  and  to  lie  quietly  until 


WILD-FOWL    SHOOTING.  265 

ordered  or  signalled  to  rise.  He  should  be  taught  to  remain  quiet 
after  tiie  discharge  of  the  gun,  until  ordered  to  work.  This  is  the 
most  important  part  of  his  education,  and  if  not  well  trained  in 
this,  he  may  easily  spoil  good  sport  and  lose  game  by  rushing  out 
and  spoiling  the  effect  of  a  second  shot.  Dead  birds  need  not 
be  gathered  until  the  shooting  slackens  or  good  opportunity 
occurs ;  otherwise,  the  dog  may  alarm  the  game  and  prevent 
birds  alighting  by  his  frequent  appearance.  It  is  best,  however, 
to  secure  the  cripples  as  soon  as  possible,  and  this  a  well  trained 
dog  will  do  of  his  own  motion  and  without  waiting  for  orders; 
while  he  will  leave  dead  ducks  until  ordered  to  retrieve  them.  A 
dog  when  taught  to  fetch  should  never  be  permitted  to  drop  the 
game  at  his  master's  feet,  lest  by  doing  this,  when  at  work,  some 
wounded  birJs  may  flutter  away  and  be  lost  or  give  much  trouble 
to  recapture  them.  He  should  be  made  to  deliver  only  to  the 
hand.  Water-Fowl  retrievers  naturally  grip  their  birds  tightly 
and  should  be  taught  to  hold  them  tenderly  yet  safely.  The  season 
for  training  is  the  summer  when  the  water  is  warm  ;  some  dogs 
will  refuse  to  enter  water  that  is  very  cold  after  having  experi- 
enced the  discomforts  of  it  in  training.  When  being  trained,  he 
should  be  taught  to  search  for  the  object  he  is  ordered  to  retrieve, 
and  to  do  this,  the  trainer  should  secretly  throw  the  object 
to  a  distance  and  then  bid  the  dog  search  and  find  it,  or  motion 
him  with  a  wave  of  the  arm  in  the  direction  he  should  go.  Short 
and  easy  lessons  will  be  found  the  most  useful.  When  punishing 
a  dog  for  a  fault,  the  castigation  should  never  be  so  severe  as  to 
overbear  in  his  mind  the  memory  of  the  offence  for  which  it  was 
given.  Punishment  ought  to  be  administered  gently  but  firmly 
and  instantly.  Never  delay  punishment  until  it  is  necessarily  dis= 
connected  with  the  fault,  and  do  not  be  chary  of  praise  for  good 
conduct. 

A  ducking  expedition  can  hardly  be  worth  much,  without  the 
necessity  for  camping  out  for  a  longer  or  shorter  interval.  The 
sportsman  should  therefore  not  only  know  how  to  make  camp,  but 
also  be  provided  with  the  means  for  making  and  furnishing  it.  In 
the  spring  when  bark  of  nearly  all  kinds  peels  very  easily,  a  com- 


266  ITSE  OF  THE  DOG   IN  SHOOTING. 

fortable  camp  is  soon  made.  Two  forked  poles  set  up  for  the 
front,  a  cross  bar  resting  upon  tbese,  form  the  opening  and  a  sup- 
port for  the  roof ;  two  saplings  reaching  from  the  forks  to  the 
ground  giving  slope  for  the  roof,  and  a  few  poles  resting  on  these, 
and  fastened  with  some  withes,  finish  the  frame.  Slabs  of  bark 
laid  upon  the  top  form  the  roof,  and  the  ends  are  closed  up  in  the 
saino  way ;  the  front  is  left  open.  In  place  of  bark,  pine  or  hem- 
lock brush,  or  coarse  grass,  will  furnish  substitutes.  Otherwise  a 
pair  of  gum  blankets,  or  when  one  has  plenty  of  means,  a  A  tent 
complete,  can  be  provided.  Cooking  apparatus  and  comfortable 
furniture  and  folding  boats  or  canoes  are  supplied  by  the  dealers 
in  sporting  commodities.  A  genuine  sportsman  will  always  be 
independent  of  these  appliances,  an  ax  and  a  box  of  matches  serv- 
ing to  supply  all  his  wants  in  the  way  of  furnishing  camp  and 
cooking  materials.  As  to  supplies  for  camping,  it  is  hardly  neces- 
sary to  mention  these,  further  than  to  caution  the  young  sports- 
man never  to  forget  to  provide  salt,  pepper,  and  sugar;  everything 
else  will  follow.  These  are  most  frequently  forgotten,  to  the 
great  disappointment  of  those  of  the  party  who  never  trouble 
themselves  about  the  arrangements. 

The  camp  should  never  be  set  in  a  hollow ;  a  round  knoll  being 
safe  in  case  of  a  sudden  heavy  rain  which  might  overflow  a  hol- 
low and  make  matters  very  uncomfortable.  A  shelter  for  the 
camp  should  be  chosen  where  there  are  no  tall  trees.  Low  brush 
will  protect  the  camp  from  heavy  winds  without  such  danger  as 
would  exist  among  heavy  trees  in  case  of  sudden  gusts.  The  camp 
should  always  face  southward. 

The  color  of  the  dress  is  an  important  consideration.  This 
shoul  I  always  be  of  a  neutral  tint,  matching  the  surroundings. 
The  light  brown  waterproof  hunting  suits  made  for  this  special 
purpose,  offer  very  little  contrast  with  the  color  of  the  ground  or 
with  faded  weeds,  grass,  leaves,  and  trunks  of  trees  and  brush. 
Ducks  are  more  suspicions  of  dark  colors  than  of  light,  and  next 
to  the  yellowish-brown  clothing,  a  light  grey  will  be  found  desir- 
able. A  waterproof  coat  and  rubber  boots  covering  the  thighs  are 
indispensable. 


SHOAL-WATER   FOWL.  26? 

As  to  the  supply  of  ammunition  that  "  goes  without  saying,'* 
and  as  no  one  would  make  a  secondary  matter  of  this,  it  may  be 
safely  left  for  each  one  to  please  his  fancy  in  this  respect. 

A  pocket  compass  is  indispensable  to  avoid  trouble,  for  in 
;hick  marshes  upon  cloudy  days  the  direction  of  the  camp  is  other- 
wise difficult  to  find.  A  man  used  to  the  woods  is  not  easily  lost ; 
there  are  many  signs  which  guide  him  in  his  course,  but  so  many 
accidents  may  occur  that  it  is  prudent  to  have  a  compass  on  all 
occasions.  A  "pocket  pistol"  charged  with  the  best  quality  of 
any  good  spirit  may  be  needed  in  case  of  sickness.  As  a  safe- 
guard against  chills,  there  should  likewise  be  a  supply  of  quinine 
on  hand.  Little  hunting  should  be  done  before  breakfast,  and  the 
coffee  should  be  made  hot  and  strong.  The  drinking  of  impure 
water  is  to  be  carefully  avoided.  Lastly,  woollen  flannel  under- 
clothing will  be  found  a  great  protection  in  warding  off  ague. 


SHOAL-WATER    FOWL. 

The  species  of  fowl  which  frequent  shoal  water  have  been 
Already  mentioned  ;  but  a  short  description  of  the  principal  varie- 
ties may  be  of  interest. 

The  Mallard.  —  This  is  a  handsome  bird,  24  inches  in  length  to 
the  end  of  the  tail  when  full  grown ;  the  extent  of  the  wings  is  36 
inches,  and  the  weight  is  about  3  pounds.  The  male  is  marked 
is  follows :  The  bill,  greenish-yellow ;  iris,  dark  brown ;  feet, 
^range-red  ;  head  and  neck,  deep  green,  with  a  ring  of  white  about 
the  middle  of  the  neck ;  fore  part  of  the  chest,  chestnut  brown  ; 
fore  part  of  back,  yellowish-brown  and  grey ;  the  rest  of  the  back, 
brownish -black ;  the  rump,  black,  with  purplish  and  green  shad- 
ing ;  the  wings  are  greyish  brown,  with  a  "  beauty  spot"  of  purple 
and  green,  edged  with  black  and  white  on  ten  or  more  of  the 
secondaries;  breasts,  sides,  and  belly,  pale  grey,  shaded  with  dark 
waves. 


268          USE  OF  THE  DOG  IN  SHOOTING. 

The  female  has  the  bill  black  and  orange ;  the  iris  and  feet  as  in 
the  male;  the  upper  parts  generally  pale  brown,  spotted  with 
dusky  brown  ;  the  head  striped  or  narrowly  streaked  ;  the  wings 
and  beauty  spots  nearly  as  in  the  male;  the  under  parts  dull 
olive,  spotted  with  brown ;  length,  22  iuches ;  weight,  f.bout  2^ 
Ibs.  Mallards  breed  mostly  in  the  far  north  and  begin  to  come 
south  in  August,  staying  for  a  month  or  more  in  the  Northwestern 
States  .und  Canada,  where  vast  numbers  are  sometimes  taken.  On 
one  occasion  1,365  ducks  were  killed  in  17  days'  shooting  by  one 
man,  with  a  single  barrel,  muzzle-loading  gun.  The  rivers  and 
lakes  of  the  Northwestern  States  furnish  unlimited  sport  in  the 
spring  when  the  birds  are  on  the  way  to  their  breeding  places,  and 
in  the  fall  when  they  are  returning  south.  During  the  winter  the 
open  overflowed  timber  lands  of  the  Southern  and  Southwestern 
States  are  fairly  alive  with  these  birds.  A  great  number  of  them 
are  sh^t  at  this  season  in  the  large  corn  fields  of  the  more  southern 
of  the  Western  States,  where  they  stay  to  feed  upon  the  scattered 
corn.  While  shooting  ducks  in  the  corn  fields,  the  sportsman  will 
pick  up  occasionally  a  few  quail  or  prairie  chickens,  and  should 
be  accompanied  by  a  good  dog. 

The  Blue-  Winged  Teal. — This  is  a  small,  but  richly  flavored  bird, 
considered  to  be  inferior  to  none  except  the  canvas-back  and  the 
red-head.  They  are  the  first  to  move  southward  in  the  fall,  and 
are  ?onnd  in  vast  numbers  in  suitable  grounds  in  the  western 
country,  where  they  find  acceptable  food,  such  as  wild  rice,  oats, 
and  pond  weeds.  They  congregate  about  small,  muddy  streams, 
where  pond  lilies  and  wild  rice  abound,  and  also  in  shallow  sloughs. 
Gravelly  streams  or  ponds  are  rarely  frequented  by  them.  This 
!)ird  weighs  less  than  one  pound,  and  is  about  16  inches  in  length. 
The  hrad  of  the  male  is  black  on  the  upper  part,  with  a  half-moon 
shaped  patch  of  white  in  front  of  each  eye  ;  the  neck  is  purplish 
blue;  the  back  brownish  black,  with  green  gloss;  the  lower  parts 
pale  reddish  orange ;  the  breast  purplish  red,  and  spotted  with 
black.  The  wings  are  marked  with  rich  lustrous  blue.  The 
female's  head  is  pale  buff,  striped  with  dark  lines,  The  upper  parts 
are  dark  brown,  the  lower  parts  are  dusky  brown  and  grey. 


WILD-FOWL   SHOOTING.  269 

The  Green  Winged  Teal  is  smaller  than  the  previous  variety,  and 
among  other  differences  in  color  has  the  wings  and  back  of  the 
neck  marked  with  deep  bright  green.  This  bird  remains  later  in 
the  season  than  the  blue  teal,  but  while  it  remains  it  associates 
with  the  latter,  feeding  and  flying  promiscuously  with  them. 

The  Pintail  Duck  is  a  bird  of  about  2  pounds  weight,  and 
measures  full-grown  29  inches  from  bill  to  end  of  tail.  The  female 
is  smaller  and  lighter  than  the  male.  In  color  this  duck  is  greenish 
brown  on  the  head,  throat,  and  upper  part  of  the  neck;  part  of 
the  neck  is  barred  with  brownish  black  and  a  yellowish  white.  The 
spots  on  the  wings  are  coppery  red  with  green  reflections.  On  each 
side  of  the  neck  is  a  white  band,  and  the  upper  parts  in  general  are 
whitish. 

The  Sprigtatt  is  the  most  handsomely  formed  of  the  whole  duck 
tribe,  and  abounds  in  all  parts  of  the  country  except  in  the  New 
England  States.  Its  food  consists  of  the  small  acorns  of  the  pin 
oak,  the  seeds  of  smartweed,  cockle-burr,  wild  oats,  and  corn,  and 
beech-nuts.  This  species  is  found  in  immense  numbers  at  tha 
opening  of  spring,  occupying  the  overflowed  fields  and  prairies, 
and  feeding  upon  the  drifting  masses  of  grass  seeds,  corn,  and 
waste  grain.  They  soon  bscome  fat  and  in  fine  condition,  and 
offer  the  best  of  sport,  flying  closely  and  irregularly,  and  are  thus 
easily  killed ;  several  often  dropping  at  one  shot.  Decoys  are  not 
used  for  hunting  them.  When  wounded,  and  on  land,  they  are  diffi- 
cult to  retrieve  without  a  good  dog,  as  they  can  run  rapidly  and 
are  apt  to  crouch  and  hide  very  closely,  and  so  escape  observation. 

The  Wood  Duck  is  the  most  beautifully  feathered  of  all  the  wild 
fowl,  and  are  common  to  all  parts  of  the  Union  except  the  sea- 
coast.  Their  nesting  places  are  in  stumps  and  hollow  trees,  whence 
they  derive  their  name.  They  never  dive  for  food,  and  are  gener- 
ally found  about  old  musk-rat  houses,  logs,  and  banks,  on  the 
edges  of  patches  of  reeds.  In  the  middle  of  the  day  they  may 
nearly  always  be  found  in  these  spots  sunning  themselves  and 
trimming  their  feathers.  They  are  in  season  in  August  and  Sep- 
tember. 

The  American  Widgeon  is  abundant  in  the  waters  of  some  of  the 


270  USE   OF   THE   DOG  IN   SHOOTING. 

Southern  States,  more  particularly  Missouri  and  Tennessee,  and  on 
the  Chesapeake  Bay,  where  they  feed  on  the  roots  of  wild  celery, 
which  they  rarely  find  by  diving  for  them,  but  most  frequently 
procure  by  robbing  the  canvas-backs  of  the  fruits  of  their  sub- 
aqueous labors.  They  are  distinguished  from  others  of  their  tribe 
by  their  length  of  wing.  They  are  easily  brought  down,  as  they 
fly  clustered  together,  and  several  may  be  killed  at  a  shot. 

Spoonbills,  seldom  furnish  sport  themselves  alone,  but  associat- 
ing with  mallards  are  often  taken  with  them.  They  are  easily 
decoyed  and  are  killed  by  a  slight  blow ;  it  is  not  unusual  for  a 
flock  of  6  or  8  to  fall  before  the  discharge  of  both  barrels.  They 
are  easily  approached  from  the  shore,  and  their  habit  of  springing 
up  directly  in  the  air  several  feet  before  flying  off  on  a  course, 
gives  an  opportunity  for  using  the  second  barrel  with  effect. 

'iihe  Dusky  or  Black  Duck,  weighs  3  pounds.  The  general  color 
is  blackish  brown.  It  is  frequently  found  in  the  West  with  the 
mallard,  having  the  same  food  and  general  habits.  In  the  East  it 
is  very  numerous,  and  is  eagerly  pursued  by  sportsmen.  It  is  very 
wary  and  must  be  approached  with  caution. 


DEEP-WATER  FOWL. 

The  Canvas-Back  Duck. — This  species  is  the  finest  flavored  of 
all  wild  fowl.  Its  food  in  those  localities  where  it  is  taken  in  per- 
fection, consists  of  the  roots  of  the  wild  celery,  which  give  to  its 
flesh  the  peculiar  flavor  for  which  it  is  so  attractive.  Its  habits  of 
frequenting  open  water  entail  much  labor  and  sometimes  exposure 
and  risk  to  the  sportsman ;  and  the  uninitiated  gunner  is  foiled 
in  his  attempts,  time  after  time,  to  secure  the  gamy  and  highly 
prized  bird,  disappointment  however  only  whetting  desire  and  add- 
ing to  his  eagerness.  To  approach  these  wary  fowl,  or  to  induce 
them  to  approach  the  hunter  is  the  secret  of  the  sportsman's  art. 
and  by  the  help  of  various  stratagems  the  game  is  generally 
brought  to  bag  by  the  experienced.  The  system  pursued  on  the 


DEEP-WATER   FOWL. 

Chesapeake  Bay  and  the  North  Carolina  Sounds,  and  known  as 
"toling,"  is  the  most  successful.  It  is  as  follows:  A  small  dog, 
an  ordinary  poodle,  or  one  very  much  similar  to  that,  white  or 
brown  iii  color,  and  called  the  toler  breed,  is  kept  for  the  purpose. 
It  is  trained  to  run  up  and  down  on  the  shore  in  the  sight  of  the 
ducks,  directed  by  the  motion  of  his  owner's  hand.  The  curiosity 
of  the  ducks  is  excited,  and  they  approach  the  shore  to  discover 
the  nature  of  the  object  which  has  attracted  their  attention.  They 
raise  their  heads,  look  intently,  and  then  start  in  a  body  for  the 
shore.  When  within  40  yards  or  less,  they  stop  and  swim  back 
and  forth  for  a  moment  before  they  return.  The  dog  lies  low 
when  the  ducks  are  approaching,  and  at  the  time  when  they  pre- 
sent their  sid:s  is  the  opportunity  to  rake  the  flock.  Many  ducks 
then  often  fall  before  one  gun.  To  prevent  the  dogs  from  disturb- 
ing the  ducks  while  they  are  toling,  they  are  not  allowed  to  go  in 
for  the  game,  but  the  retrievers  known  as  the  Chesapeake  Bay 
dogs  are  used  for  this  purpose.  , 

When  the  ducks  become  bedded,  that  is,  gather  in  large  bodies 
in  one  place  in  open  water,  for  feeding  or  resting,  boats  covered 
with  brush  and  weeds,  and  propelled  silently  by  paddles,  are  used 
by  hunters  to  approach  within  shooting  distance.  The  sportsman 
rests  upon  his  knees,  in  the  boat,  bending  forward  to  conceal  him- 
self, when  ducks  are  approaching.  The  arrangement  of  decoys, 
and  taking  up  the  dead  ducks,  are  matters  of  experience  about 
which  no  suggestions  are  needed.  Canvas-backs  do  not  drop  as 
mallards  do,  when  alighting  on  the  water,  but  sweep  over  the  de- 
coys, and  circle  round  again,  to  alight,  if  their  suspicions  are  not 
aroused.  The  novice  may  lose  his  game  by  haste  in  firing  as  they 
first  approach,  when  by  reserving  his  fire  until  they  come  the 
second  time,  his  chances  are  greatly  improved.  The  moment  of 
bunching  or  crossing  of  the  flock  as  it  prepares  to  alight  is  the  time 
for  the  hunter  to  rise  slowly  and  deliberately  so  as  to  create  no 
alarm.  A  second  shot  may  often  be  made  by  taking  things  coolly, 
as  the  ducks,  seeing  the  decoys  quiet,  are  reassured,  and  often  do  not 
leave  at  the  first  shot.  The  big  bags  are  made  on  rainy  days  when 
the  ducks  are  restless  and  are  easily  decoyed.  Wounded  ducks 


272  USE  OF   THE   DOG   IN   SHOOTING. 

must  be  shot  again  at  once  before  the  shooter  is  discovered,  othe* 
wise  a  long  and  weary  chase  may  be  needed  before  they  are  secur- 
ed, as  they  are  expert  divers  and  can  swin  under  water  for  very 
long  distances.  Retrievers  cannot  be  used  for  picking  up  crippletf 
canvas-backs,  as  catching  one  in  this  way  is  out  of  the  question. 
Canvas  backs  are  found  in  the  spring  along  the  back  waters  of  the 
Mississippi,  in  great  numbers,  when  the  winter  has  been  severe  iu 
the  East,  as  they  then  make  their  way  up  from  Galveston  Bay  and 
from  the  mouths  and  bayous  of  the  river. 

The  Red- headed  Duck  is  distinguished  by  the  color  of  its  head, 
which,  with  more  than  half  the  neck,  is  of  a  brown-red,  glossed 
with  bright  red  above.  Its  weight  is  about  2%  pounds.  Its  habits 
are  similar  to  those  of  the  canvas-back,  and  it  subsists  upon  the 
same  kind  of  food,  chiefly  roots  of  grasses  and  other  aquatic 
plants.  They  are  found  in  large  flocks,  always  fly  together,  but  feed 
along  with  canvas-backs,  and  some  kinds  of  shoal- water  fowl. 
They  cluster  well  together  and  decoy  easily.  Sometimes  they  are 
taken  plentifully,  foolishly  returning  to  the  decoys  after  a  shot, 
and  rising  so  close  together  that  several  are  dropped  at  one  dis- 
charge, as  they  rise  against  the  wind,  or  huddle  up  before  rising. 
This  duck  is  second  only  to  the  canvas-back,  as  a  delicate  article 
of  food. 

The  Scaup-Duck  or  Blue-Bill,  furnishes  more  sport  than  many  of 
the  more  valuable  ducks.  They  settle  down  to  decoys  so  readily, 
return  so  quickly,  and  pack  so  closely  together,  the  hunter  can 
hardly  fail  of  being  satisfied  either  with  his  sport  or  his  bag.  They 
approach  shore  so  carelessly,  that  with  decoys  well  placed,  they 
may  be  shot  from  a  blind,  built  in  the  bushes,  if  care  is  taken  tc 
avoid  sudden  or  needless  movements. 

Bing-necked  and  Ruffle-headed  Ducks,  are  small,  and  although 
furnishing  some  good  sport,  are  not  often  hunted.  They  are  found 
in  nearly  every  part  of  the  country,  in  both  fresh  and  salt  water. 
The  former  is  a  vegetable  feeder  and  its  flesh  is  well  flavored ; 
the  latter  subsists  on  fish,  snails,  and  other  animal  foods,  and  the 
flesh  is  ill  flavored  although  it  is  always  fat.  It  is  neglected  by  the 
pot  hunter  as  too  insignificant  for  his  professional  attention. 


r 


HARE   HUNTING.  275 


HARE  HUNTING. 

We  have  no  rabbits  in  America,  although  the  animals  called  rab- 
bits— but  really  hares — are  sufficiently  plentiful  to  afford  good 
sport  with  dogs,  in  the  fall  and  early  winter.  It  may  be  of  interest 
to  note  here  that  the  principal  specific  differences  between  hares 
and  rabbits,  are  that  the  former  breed  twice  a  year  only,  and  make 
their  forms  upon  the  ground  under  the  shelter  of  bushes  or  tufts 
of  grass,  weeds,  or  braked,  while  the  latter  breed  once  a  month  and 
are  burrowing  animals,  making  their  hiding-places  underground 
and  in  company  on  the  sides  of  dry  banks,  the  places  being  called 
"  warrens." 

The  larger  hare,  which  changes  its  color  in  the  winter,  is  abun- 
dant in  the  Eastern  States,  Northern  New  York,  Canada,  and  the 
wooded  portions  of  the  North-western  States.  The  writer  has  had 
excellent  sport  hi  the  wooded  regions  of  the  northern  peninsula  of 
Michigan  and  the  adjoining  part  of  Wisconsin,  in  the  early  fall, 
when  a  few  sharp  frosts  have  caused  the  woods  previously  dressed 
in  their  gorgeous  habits  of  crimson  and  gold,  to  drop  their  foliage 
and  admit  the  light  of  day  without  interference.  The  most  useful 
dog  in  such  a  case,  is  a  setter  trained  for  this  especial  work, 
taught  to  beat  the  ground  properly,  point  his  game,  to  range  low 
and  to  retrieve  well. 

The  Small  Hare,  which  does  not  change  color  in  the  winter,  af- 
fords good  sport  in  the  fall,  in  the  cultivated  country  further 
south,  in  open  woods,  stubble  fields,  and  meadows.  For  hare 
shooting  alone,  a  pair  of  small  beagles  are  to  be  preferred.  The 
pace  of  these  little  hounds  is  comparatively  slow,  but  they  will 
follow  up  their  game  tirelessly  through  all  their  doublings  and 
twistings,  and  will  always  bring  them  back  to  the  starting  point. 
Here,  covered  by  a  stump,  a  tree,  or  a  bush,  the  sportsman  stands 
still,  waiting  for  the  return  of  the  game,  and  listening,  meanwhile, 
to  the  small  music  of  these  melodious  little  animals  during  the 
few  minutes  the  circuit  is  making.  The  cry  of  the  hounds  will 
inform  the  hunter  of  the  direction  in  which  to  look  for  the  game, 
and  unless  he  remains  perfectly  motionless,  without  doing  more 


276  USE    OF   THE   DOG   IN    SHOOTING. 

than  breathing  quietly,  and  even  scarcely  winking,  he  will  find 
the  wary  and  suspicious  animal  to  dart  away  suddenly,  or  to  steal 
off  unobserved  within  a  few  paces  under  cover  of  the  smallest 
possible  shelter.  Sometimes  a  spoken  word,  an  ejaculation,  or 
a  whistle  will  arrest  the  fugitive,  and  give  time  for  an  effective 
shot,  almost  at  point-blank  range.  With  a  number  of  guns  in  a 
well  furnished  covert,  and  a  few  couple  of  beagles,  lively  sport 
can  be  had.  The  ground  best  adapted  for  this  sport,  and  where 
plenty  of  game  is  to  be  found,  is  in  ranges  of  scrub  oaks,  pine 
barrens,  and  low  bushy  thickets,  such  as  occur  in  many  places  on 
Long  Island,  Southern  New  Jersey,  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  and  the 
"  old  fields  "  of  Delaware,  Maryland,  and  Virginia. 


DEER    HUNTING. 

The  finest  of  all  American  hunting  consists,  perhaps  with- 
out exception,  in  taking  deer,  either  on  the  run  followed  by 
hounds,  by  stalking  or  still  hunting,  or  by  hunting  the  game 
with  packs  of  well  trained  hounds  regularly  maintained  and  fol- 
lowed by  fleet  high  bred  hunters,  mounted  by  the  keenest  sports- 
men. The  first  method  is  that  which  is  mostly  followed  in  the 
West  and  Northern  States.  It  is  in  this  way  that  a  welcome  ad- 
dition to  the  larder  of  the  enterprising  settler  or  backwoodsman  is 
procured,  while  his  instinctive  love  of  hunting  is  gratified.  This  kind 
of  sport  is  considered  slow  by  those  who  have  once  enjoyed  the 
hunt  par  excellence  in  the  open  fields  or  free  woods  of  the  South,  in 
Which  horse  and  hound  are  pitted  against  each  other  in  conflict 
^lith  the  game.  But  it  is  by  no  means  to  be  despised,  and  the 
hunter  who  is  not  able  to  join  the  mounted  hunt  with  a  regular 
pack,  may  well  feel  satisfied  when  he  bears  to  his  camp  the  well- 
earned  game,  secured  after  many  miles  of  exciting  tramp  or  patient 
eager  waiting. 

The  American  deer  is  found  more  or  less  abundantly  wherever 
there  are  large  tracts  of  woodland,  from  the  central  and  northern 
part  of  New  York  and  Maine,  to  Texas.  The  mountains  of  Central 


DEER    HUNTING.  279 

New  York,  the  great  forests  of  Pennsylvania  and  of  Western 
Virginia,  with  the  mountain  region  of  the  Carolinas  and  Alabama, 
and  the  hummocks  of  Florida  in  the  East,  and  the  extensive 
wooded  regions  of  Michigan,  "Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  and 
Canada  in  the  West,  furnish  the  great  field  for  deer  hunting 
of  this  kind.  There  the  frequent  deer  paths  intersect  the  woods 
and  fresh  scent  can  always  be  found  upon  which  to  start  the  dogs. 
The  dogs  Used  are  generally  cross-bred  hounds  or  deerhounds  of 
impure  blood,  although  the  pure,  but  rarer  dachshund,  is  now  being 
employed  in  this  sport.  Speed  is  not  so  much  a  requisite  as  stanch- 
ness  and  excellent  scent ;  the  tireless,  unerring  following  up  of 
the  trail,  with  plenty  of  tongue  to  signify  the  whereabouts  of  the 
game,  being  the  chief  requisites  for  this  sport.  Some  hunters  who 
desire  great  activity  are  fond  of  objecting  to  this  as  dull  plodding 
amusement;  this  may  be  when  a  party  of  "tender  feet"  are 
stationed  at  run  ways  to  spend  hour  after  hour  and  while  away 
the  day  in  the  vain  hope  of  seeing  game,  or  even  hearing  the 
music  of  the  hounds.  But  when  a  lone  hunter,  or  a  well-mated 
party,  join  in  the  sport,  with  a  couple  of  good  dogs,  and  shift 
their  places,  as  the  baying  of  the  dogs  gives  notice  of  the  course 
the  game  is  taking,  and  when  the  hunter,  now  following  the  course 
over  logs  and  rocks,  through  brush  and  swamps,  cutting  off  the 
game  as  it  sweeps  around,  and  with  true  woodcraft,  meets  it  at  a 
turn,  without  giving  sight  or  scent  of  his  presence,  and  with  un- 
erring aim  speeds  his  deadly  bullet  through  the  head  or  heart  of 
his  prey — then  the  most  thorough  sportsman  may  find  sufficient 
pleasure  and  excitement  in  which  to  forget  the  sometimes  too 
vigorous  and  enduring  exercise.  Deerhounds  well  trained  for  this 
sport  will  bring  the  game  around  to  their  starting  point,  where  a 
a  cover  of  brush  may  be  provided  to  screen  the  hunter  from  ob- 
servation until  the  deer  is  brought  within  easy  distance  for  a  safe 
shot. 

Deer  Stalking. — Perhaps  the  true  woodsman  will  choose  to  still 
hunt  his  game.  In  this  sport  there  are  required :  a  wonderful  acute- 
ness  to  distinguish  "sign"  to  follow  the  trail;  excessive  stealth, 
yet  swiftness  of  tread,  to  cover  the  ground  quickly ;  a  rare  keen* 


2&0  USE    OF  THE   DOG   IN   SHOOTING. 

ness  of  vision  and  of  hearing,  to  detect  and  discover  the  game ;  an 
accurate  sight,  and  rapid  yet  steady  shooting  from  the  shoulder, 
and,  lastly,  the  capability  of  dressing  the  game  and  packing  it  to 
camp  or  out  of  the  woods. 

Deer  Licks. — A  safe  and  sure  method  of  hunting  deer  is  to  make 
what  are  known  as  deer  licks.  The  well  known  appetite  of  the 
ilecr  for  salt  furnishes  an  opportunity  for  this  sport.  A  stump  or 
fallen  log  is  chosen  near  where  deer  paths  cross  or  are  abundant, 
and  in  a  somewhat  open  place,  such  as  a  windfall,  where  fallen 
trees  and  roots  furnish  a  good  blind,  to  screen  the  hunter.  The 
blind  is  chosen  on  the  windward  side  of  the  lick,  so  as  to  prevent 
the  game  from  scenting  the  hunter.  The  deer  frequent  the  licks 
in  the  early  morning  and  about  sun -down.  At  these  times  the 
hunter  is  at  his  stand  prepared  for  work,  and  he  is  generally  re- 
warded by  a  successful  shot  for  his  patient  waiting.  The  engrav- 
ing on  page  277  represents  the  usual  manner  of  hunting  by  means 
of  a  "lick," 


GAME   IN  THE   FAR  WEST.  283 

GAME  IN  THE  FAR  WEST. 

While  Buffalo  have  almost  wholly  disappeared  from  the  regions 
traversed  by  the  great  public  thoroughfares,  and  other  kinds  of 
game  have  perceptibly  diminished  in  some  quarters,  there  is  no  im- 
mediate danger  of  their  becoming  extinct,  as  has  been  argued  by 
some  writers.  There  will  be  some  hunting  for  several  more  years 
to  come  in  many  localities  in  the  yet  unoccupied  regions  of  West* 
ern  Colorado,  Arizona,  Wyoming,  Utah,  Idaho,  Montana,  and 
Dakota.  You  can  leave  New  York,  and  in  about  a  week's  time 
reach  the  hunting  centers  where  one  who  has  a  passion  for  the  rod 
or  gun  can  be  fully  gratified.  Within  ten  years'  time,  buffalo  were 
seen  in  droves  from  the  cars  of  the  passing  railway  trains  in  Kan- 
sas, Nebraska,  and  Colorado.  Now  they  have  disappeared  from 
Middle  and  Southern  Kansas,  and  the  present  range  of  what  is 
known  as  the  "  southern  herd "  of  buffalo,  lies  in  the  region  of 
country  south  of  the  Arkansas  River  and  extends  to  the  Texas 
line.  Here  large  numbers  of  buffalo  have  been  killed  during  the 
past  six  or  eight  years.  Between  the  scant  herbage  of  the  plains, 
and  the  merciless  destruction  of  Remington,  Winchester,  and 
Sharpe's  rifles,  the  animals  have  mostly  disappeared  from  this 
region.  The  range  is  reached  by  going  out  on  the  Atchison,  To- 
peka,  and  Santa  Fe  road  as  far  as  Lakin,  and  then  striking  due 
south.  There  are  a  few  buffalo  left  in  North  Park,  Colorado,  and 
the  country  west  of  it.  They  are,  however,  very  wary  and  di'H- 
cult  to  find.  A  party  of  us  rode  over  130  miles  in  a  fruitless  efl  )rt 
to  discover  this  drove.  There  are  likewise  a  few  buffalo  in  North- 
ern Nebraska  in  the  Niobrara  region.  The  great  northern  herd, 
however,has  pushed  far  northward  beyond  the  Yellowstone  country. 
During  November,  1881,  we  found  large  numbers  of  Buffalo  be- 
tween the  Little  Missouri  River  and  the  Yellowstone.  The  drove 
was  estimated  at  fully  eighty  thousand.  At  Glendive,  Montana, 
we  met  hunters  killing  them  for  their  hides.  A  few  years 
ago,  passengers  on  the  Kansas  Pacific  Road  constantly  sa-tf  Inte- 
lope  from  the  windows.  Now,  however,  they  are  rarely  S&.A  ex- 
cept in  the  western  portion  of  Kansas  and  along  the  Colorado  boun- 


284  USE  OP  THE  DOG  IN  SHOOTING. 

dary.  They  are  likewise  diminishing  in  Colorado  and  Nebraska. 
In  Wyoming,  however,  and  Northern  Colorado,  there  were  more 
antelope  after  1878  than  there  had  been  for  several  seasons,  and 
the  hunting  has  since  been  good.  I  know  no  better  locality  for 
hunting  antelope  than  North  Park.  We  found  countless  numbers 
Uere  during  Nov.  1878,  and  so  tame,  that  they  would  occasionally  run 
through  our  camp  before  sunrise.  After  the  genuine  sportsman  has 
s.,ot  one  or  two  of  these  beautiful  creatures,  he  desists  from  th.ii 
further  destruction  unless  it  be  for  food.  There  are  parties,  how- 
ever, calling  themselves  sportsmen,  who  shoot  down  antelope  rL,ht 
and  left  for  the  mere  brutal  gratification  of  being  able  to  tell  on  their 
return  home  of  their  achievements,  and  to  add  to  the  number  of 
their  horns  and  other  trophies.  Day  after  day  I  have  marked  the 
trail  of  these  spurious  sportsmen  by  the  carcasses  of  animals,  un- 
necessarily and  inhumanly  slaughtered.  There  is  naturally  much 
feeling  in  Wyoming  and  Colorado  against  t.ieso  butchers,  and  the 
frontiersman  is  often  so  incensed  as  to  threaten  summary  vengeance. 

Deer  and  elk  are  to  be  found  during  the  summer  months  in  the 
snowy  ranges  of  Colorado,  and  likewise  on  the  southern  borders 
of  North  Park.  In  October  and  November  they  begin  to  come 
out  of  the  snow-covered  mountains,  among  the  foot-hills,  and  on 
the  plains,  where  they  are  found  in  considerable  numbers.  One 
day,  not  long  ago,  while  we  were  riding  on  the  Utah  Northern 
Road,  the  engineer  was  compelled  to  slack  up  the  tram  for  fear  of 
running  over  a  band  of  deer  which  were  crossing  the  track  in  their 
descent  from  the  mountain  regions  to  the  plains. 

During  the  winter  months,  the  bost  country  for  hunting  elk,  deer, 
or  antelope,  is  in  Northern  Wyoming,  due  north  from  Rawhns,  m 
the  Sweet  Water  and  Wind  River  regions.  Here  appears  to  be  a 
kind  of  winter  rendezvous  for  wild  game,  and  if  a  hunting  party 
secures  the  right  kind  of  a  guide,  they  can  have  their  fill  of  enjoy- 
ment in  this  country.  If  you  can  afford  the  time  and  expenditure, 
one  of  the  most  adventurous  of  western  trips  is  to  proceed  to  Bis- 
marck, then  to  the  Yellow  Stone  River,  visit  the  Parks,  and  then, 
pushing  down  through  Wyoming,  reach  the  Union  Pacific  at  Raw 
lins,  Laramie,  or  some  adjacent  point. 


BOOK   III. 

THE    DISEASES    OF    THE    DOG    AND    THEIE 
TBEATMENT. 


CHAPTER    I. 

PECULIARITIES  IN  THE  ANATOMY  AND  PHYSIOLOGY 
OF  THE  DOG. 

THE  SKELETON,  INCLUDING  THE  TEETH.— THE  MUSCULAR  SYSTEM.— THE 
BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM.  — THB  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM.— THE  HEART 
AND  LUNGS.  — THE  SKIN. 

THE  SKELETON,  INCLUDING  THE  TEETH. 

In  the  skeleton  of  the  dog  and  in  that  of  the  horse,  as  well  as  of  all 
other  animals  remarkable  for  their  speed,  there  is  a  peculiar  char- 
acteristic of  the  chest  which  deserves  to  be  noticed.  A  narrow- 
chested  horse  or  dog  may  have  better  wind  than  another  with  a 
round  barrel,  because  he  is  able  to  alter  the  cubic  contents  of  his 
chest  more  rapidly,  and  thus  inspire  and  expire  a  larger  volume  of 
air.  A  medium  transverse  diameter  is  therefore  to  be  desired 
and  is  practically  found  to  be  advantageous,  in  allowing  a  bettei 
action  of  the  shoulder  blades  rolling  upon  the  surface  on  each 
side.  These  facts  ought  to  be  taken  into  consideration  in  selecting 
the  best  kind  of  frame  for  the  purposes  of  speed  and  endurance. 

Large  size  of  bone  contributes  to  the  strength  of  the  limbs,  and 
foxhounds  especially,  which  have  continual  blows  and  strains  in 
their  scrambling  over  or  through  fences  of  all  kinds,  require  big 
limbs  and  joints.  When,  however,  extreme  speed  is  desired,  as  in 
the  greyhound,  there  may  be  an  excess  (if  bone,  which  then  acts  as 
an  incumbrance,  and  impedes  the  activity.  Still,  even  in  this  dog, 
the  bones  and  joints  must  be  strong  enough  to  resist  the  shocks  of 
the  course,  without  which  we  constantly  find  them  liable  to  frac- 
ture or  dislocation.  If,  however,  a  dog  is  brought  up  at  liberty, 
and  from  his  earliest  years  is  encouraged  in  his  play,  the  bones, 
though  small,  are  strong,  and  the  joints  are  united  by  firm  ligaments 
which  will  seldom  give  way. 
287 


288  ANATOMY    OF   THE    DOG. 

The  dog  has  no  collar-bone,  so  that  his  fore  quarter  is  only  at- 
tached to  the  body  by  muscular  tissue.  This  is  effected  chiefly  by 
a  broad  sling  of  muscle,  which  is  attached  above  to  the  edge  of  the 
shoulder-blade,  and  below  to  the  ribs  near  their  lower  ends.  It  is 
also  moved  backwards  by  muscles  attached  to  the  spine,  and  for- 
wards by  others  connected  in  front  to  the  neck  and  head,  so  that 
at  the  will  of  the  animal  it  plays  freely  in  all  directions. 

The  teeth  are  42  in  number,  arranged  as  follows : 

Incisors  3^  f    Canines  ^      Molars  ~ 


TEETH  OF  THE  DOG  AT  VARIOUS  AGES. 

The  incisors  are  somewhat  remarkable  in  shape,  having  three 
lobules  at  their  edges  resembling  a  fleur-de-lis  (Figs.  43-44).  Next 
to  these  come  the  canine  teeth  or  tusks,  and  then  the  molars,  which 
vary  in  form  considerably.  In  the  upper  jaw,  in  front,  are  three 
sharp  and  cutting  teeth,  which  Cuvier  calls  false  molars ;  then  a 
tooth  with  two  cutting  lobes;  and  lastly  two  flat  teeth,  or  true 
molars.  In  the  under  jaw,  the  first  four  molars  on  each  side  are 
false,  or  cutters  ;  then  an  intermediate  one,  with  the  posterior  part 
flat ;  and  lastly  two  tubercular  teeth,  or  true  molars.  As  the  inci- 
sors are  worn  away  and  the  dog  becomes  old,  the  lobules  on  the 
edges  wear  away  and  are  flattened  (see  Figs.  45  and  46).  The  teeth 
are  developed  in  two  sets;  the  first,  called  milk-teeth,  showing 
themselves  through  the  gums  about  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks 
after  birth,  and  lasting  until  the  fifth  or  sixth  month,  when  they  are 
displaced  by  the  permanent  set,  the  growth  of  which  is  accom- 
panied by  a  degree  of  feverishness,  which  is  often  mistaken  for  dis- 
temper. The  dog's  teeth  should  be  beautifully  white,  if  he  is 
healthy  and  well  reared,  and  until  the  third  year  there  should  be 
no  deposit  of  tartar  upon  them,  but  after  that  time  they  are  always 
coated  with  this  substance  at  the  roots,  more  or  less,  according  to 
the  feeding  and  state  of  health. 


TEETH    OF    THE    DOG. 


289 


The  fore  feet  are  generally  provided  with  five  toes,  and  the  hind 
with  four,  all  furnished  with  strong  nails  that  are  not  retractile. 
The  inner  toe  on  the  fore  feet  is  more  or  less  rudimental,  and  is 
called  the  dew-claw  ;  while  there  is  also  sometimes  present  in  the 
hind  foot  a  claw  in  the  same  situation  still  more  rudimental,  inas- 


Fig.  43. 


Fig.  44. 


Fig.  45. 


Fig.  46. 


much  as  there  is  often  no  bony  connexion  with  the  metatarsal 
bone.     This  also  is  called  the  dew-claw,  when  present. 


THE  MUSCULAK  SYSTEM. 

The  muscles  of  the  dog  have  nothing  remarkable  about  them 
except  that  they  are  renewed  and  wasted  faster  than  in  most 
13 


290  ANATOMY    OF   THE    DOG. 

animals.    This  has  passed  into  a  proverb,  and  should  be  known  as 
influencing  the  time  which  dogs  take  to  recruit  their  strength. 


THE  BRAIN  AND  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

The  nervous  system  is  highly  developed  in  those  breeds  whicli 
have  been  carefully  attended  to,  that  is,  where  individuals  of  high 
nervous  sensibility  have  been  selected  to  breed  from.  This  is 
therefore  remarkable  in  the  bulldog,  selected  for  generations  for 
courage ;  in  the  pointer,  where  steadiness  in  pointing  has  been  the 
prominent  cause  of  choice ;  and  in  the  greyhound,  whose  charac- 
teristic is  speed ;  all  requiring  a  high  development  of  the  nervous 
system,  and  all  particularly  liable  to  nervous  diseases,  such  as  fits, 
chorea,  etc.  On  the  other  hand,  the  cur,  the  common  sheep-dog, 
etc.,  seldom  suffer  from  any  disease  whatever. 


THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

The  stomach  of  this  animal  is  extremely  powerful  in  dissolving 
bones,  but  it  is  also  very  liable  to  sickness,  and  on  the  slightest  dis- 
turbance rejects  its  contents.  This  appears  to  be  almost  a  natural 
effect,  and  not  a  diseased  or  disordered  condition,  as  there  is  scarcely 
a  dog  which  does  not  wilfully  produce  vomiting  occasionally  by 
swallowing  grass.  Few  medicines  which  are  at  all  irritating  will 
remain  down,  and  a  vast  number  which  are  supposed  to  be  given 
are  not  retained  on  the  stomach,  while  others  are  only  partially  so. 
The  bowels  are  extremely  liable  to  become  costive,  which  is  in 
great  measure  owing  to  the  want  of  proper  exercise,  and  this  also 
is  very  apt  to  produce  torpidity  of  the  liver.  It  may,  however,  be 
observed  that  in  almost  all  particulars,  except  the  tendency  to 
vomit,  the  digestive  organs  of  the  dog  resemble  those  of  man. 


HEART,  LUNGS,  AND  SKIN.  291 

THE  HEART  AND  LUNGS. 

There  is  nothing  whatever  remarkable  in  the  heart  and  lungs ; 
but  the  blood-vessels,  like  those  of  most  of  the  lower  animals,  are 
so  elastic  in  their  coats  that  they  quickly  contract  when  divided, 
and  a  fatal  bleeding  rarely  results. 


THE  SKIN. 

The  skin  of  the  dog  is  said  to  be  quite  free  from  perspiration, 
but  this  is  a  mistake,  as  I  have  often  seen  the  short  hairs  of  a 
smooth-coated  dog  glistening  with  fine  beads  of  liquid,  poured 
out  on  a  hot  day,  when  strong  exercise  was  taken.  The  tongue, 
however,  is  the  grand  means  of  carrying  off  heat  by  evaporation, 
and  its  extensive  surface,  when  hanging  out  of  the  mouth,  is  suf- 
ficient for  the  purpose,  as  the  fluid  is  carried  off  more  rapidly 
from  the  air  passing  over  it  in  expiration.  I  am  persuaded  that  a 
considerable  amount  of  insensible  perspiration  is  constantly  going 
on  from  the  surface  of  the  skin,  and  that  nothing  ought  to  be  done 
which  is  likely  to  check  it.  This,  however,  is  contrary  to  the 
generally  received  opinion,  which  is  that  nothing  of  the  kind 
takes  place  in  this  animal. 


CHAPTER    II 

THE  REMEDIES  SUITED  TO  THE  DOG,  AND  THE  BEST 
MEANS  OF  ADMINISTERING  THEM. 

ALTERATIVES.  —  ANODYNES.  —  ANTISPASMODICS.  —  APERIENTS.  —  ASTRIN- 
GENTS.— BLISTERS.— CAUSTICS.— CHARGES.—  CORDIALS.—  DIURETICS. 
—EMBROCATIONS.— EMETICS.— EXPECTORANTS.— FEVER  MEDICINES.— 
CLYSTERS.— LOTIONS.— OINTMENTS.  —STOMACHICS.— STYPTICS.  —  TON- 
ICS.—WORM  MEDICINES.— ADMINISTRATION  OF  REMEDIES. 

ALTERATIVES. 

These  are  medicines  which  are  given  with  a  view  of  changing 
an  unhealthy  into  a  healthy  action.  We  know  nothing  of  the 
mode  in  which  the  change  is  produced,  and  we  can  only  judge  of 
them  by  the  results.  The  most  powerful  are  mercury,  iodine, 
hemlock,  hellebore,  and  cod-liver  oil,  which  are  given  in  the  fol- 
lowing formulas : 

1.—  ^Ethiop's  mineral,  H  to  5  grains. 
Powdered  rhubarb,  1  to  4  grains. 

"         ginger,  i  to  1£  grain. 
Mix  and  make  into  a  pill,  to  be  given  every  evening. 

2.— Hemlock  extract,  or  fresh-bruised  leaves,  2  to  4  grains. 

Plummer's  pill,  li  to  5  grains. 
Mix,  and  give  every  night,  or  every  otber  night. 

3.— Iodide  of  potassium,  2  to  4  grains. 

Liquid  extract  of  sarsaparilla,  1  drachm. 
Mix,  and  give  in  a  little  water,  once  or  twice  a  day. 

4.— Stinking  hellebore,  5  to  10  grains. 

Powdered  jalap,  2  to  4  grains. 
Mix  into  a  bolus,  and  give  every  otber  night. 

5. — Cod-liver  oil,  from  a  teaspoonful  to  a  tablespoonful. 
To  be  given  twice  a  day. 

293 


ANODYNES    AND    ANTISPASMODICS.         t  293 

ANODYNES. 

Anodynes  are  required  in  the  dog  chiefly  to  stop  diarrhoea, 
which  is  a  very  common  disease  with  him.  Sometimes  also  they  are 
used  for  the  purpose  of  relieving  spasm.  Opium  is  so  little  objec- 
tionable in  the  dog  that  it  is  almost  the  only  anodyne  used ;  but 
the  dose  must  be  far  larger  than  for  human  beings,  and  less  than 
a  teaspoonful  of  laudanum  for  an  average  dog  will  be  found  to  be 
wholly  ineffectual. 
For  slight  purging : 

6.— Prepared  chalk,  2  to  3  drachms. 
Aromatic  confection,  1  drachm. 
Laudanum,  3  to  8  drachms. 
Powder  of  gum  arable,  2  drachms. 
Water,  7  ounces. 
Mix,  and  give  two  tablespoonfuls  every  time  the  bowels  are  relaxed. 

or, 
7.— Castor  oil,  from  a  dessert  to  a  tablespoonful. 

Laudanum,  1  to  2  drachms. 
Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench,  repeating  it  in  a  day  or  two  if  necessary. 

For  long  standing  and  severe  purgation  : 
8. — Creosote,  2  drachms. 

Laudanum,  6  to  8  drachms. 
Prepared  chalk,  2  drachms. 
Powdered  gum  arable,  2  drachms. 
Tincture  of  ginger,  2  drachms. 
Peppermint  water,  6  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  two  tablespoonfuls  every  time  the  bowels  are  relaxed,  but 
not  more  often  than  every  four  hours. 


ANTISPASMODICS. 

Antispasmodics  are  useful  in  allaying  cramp  or  spasm,  but,  as  in 
the  case  of  Alteratives,  we  do  not  know  how  they  act.     The  chief 
ones  are  opium,  ether,  spirits  of  turpentine,  and  camphor,  pre- 
scribed according  to  the  following  formulas : 
9. — Laudanum. 

Sulphuric  ether,  of  each  i  to  1  drachm. 
Camphor  mixture,  1  ounce. 
Mix,  and  give  in  any  ordinary  spasm,  as  colic,  etc. 


294  »  REMEDIES    SUITED   TO   THE    DOG. 

An  antispasmodic  injection : 
10. — Laudanum, 

Sulphuric  ether, 

Spirits  of  turpentine,  of  each  1  to  2  drachm*. 
Gruel,  3  to  8  ounces. 
Mix,  and  inject  with  a  common  clyster  syringe. 


APERIENTS. 

Aperients,  opening  medicines,  or  purges,  by  which  several 
names  this  class  of  medicines  is  known,  are  constantly  required  by 
the  dog,  though  it  is  a  great  mistake  to  give  them  when  they  are 
not  absolutely  demanded  by  the  necessity  of  the  case.  All  act  by 
quickening  the  ordinary  muscular  action  of  the  bowels,  but  some 
also  stimulate  the  lining  membrane  to  pour  out  large  quantities  of 
watery  fluid,  and  others  either  directly  or  indirectly  compel  the 
liver  to  increase  its  secretion  of  bile.  Hence  they  arc  often  classed 
in  corresponding  divisions,  as  laxatives,  drastic  purgatives,  etc. 
The  chief  of  these  drugs  used  in  the  dog-kennel  are  aloes,  colo- 
cynth,  rhubarb,  jalap,  ipecacuanha,  senna,  calomel,  and  blue  pill, 
all  of  which  act  more  or  less  on  the  liver ;  while  Epsom  salts,  cas- 
tor oil,  and  croton  oil  open  the  bowels  without  any  such  effect. 
Syrup  of  buckthorn  is  commonly  given,  but  has  little  effect ;  and, 
indeed,  the  syrup  of  red- poppies  is  generally  substituted  for  it  by 
the  druggist,  who  seldom  keeps  the  genuine  article,  from  the  belief 
that  it  is  ineffectual. 
A  mild  bolus : 

II. — Barbadoes  aloes,  10  to  15  grains. 

Powdered  jalap,  5  to  8  grains. 

Ginger,  2  or  3  grains. 

Soap,  10  grains. 

Mix  into  one  bolus  for  a  large  dog,  or  divide  into  two  or  three  for  small 
ones,  and  give  as  required. 

Strong  bolus : 

12.— Calomel,  3  to  5  grains. 
Jalap,  10  to  20  grains. 
Mix  with,  syrup,  and  give  us  a  bolus, 


ASTRINGENTS.  295 

A  good  common  aperient,  when  the  liver  is  sluggish  : 
13.— Podophyllin,  I  grain. 

Compound  extract  of  colocynth,  12  to  18  grains. 
Powdered  rhubarb,  3  to  5  grains. 
Oil  of  cloves,  2  drops. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  bolus  to  a  large  strong  dog,  or  divide  into  two  or 
three  for  smaller  dogs. 

Very  strong  purgative  when  there  is  an  obstruction : 
14.— Croton  oil,  1  to  2  drops. 

Purified  opium,  1  to  2  grains. 
Linseed  meal,  10  grains. 

Mix  the  meal  with  boiling  water  into  a  thick  paste,  then  add  the  oil  and 
spices,  and  give  as  a  bolus.  ,  . 

Ordinary  castor  oil  mixture : 

15.— Castor  oil,  3  ounces. 

Syrup  of  buckthorn,  2  ounces. 
Syrup  of  poppies,  1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  give  a  tablespoonful  to  a  medium-sized  dog. 
Very  strong  purgative  mixture : 
16.— Jalap,  10  grains. 

Epsom  salts,  2  drachms. 
Subcarbonate  of  soda,  10  grains. 
Infusion  of  senna,  1  ounce. 
Tincture  of  senna,  2  drachms. 
Tincture  of  ginger,  15  drops. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench.    For  a  small  dog,  give  one  half,  one  third,  or 
one  quarter,  according  to  size. 

A  purgative  clyster : 

17.  —Castor  oil,  i  ounce. 

Spirits  of  .turpentine,  2  to  3  drachms. 
Common  salt,  I  ounce. 
Gruel,  6  to  8  ounces. 
Mix  all  together,  and  inject  carefully  per  anum. 


ASTRINGENTS. 

Astringents  produce  contraction  in  all  living  tissues  with  which 
they  are  placed  in  apposition,  either  directly  or  by  means  of  ab- 
sorption in  the  circulation.  Of  these,  opium,  gallic  acid,  alum, 


296  REMEDIES   SUITED   TO   THE   DOG. 

bark,  catechu,  sulphate  of  zinc,  nitrate  of  silver,  and  chloride  of 
zinc  are  the  most  commonly  used. 

An  astringent  bolus  for  diabetes  or  internal  hemorrhage : 
18.— Gallic  acid,  3  to  6  grains. 
Alum,  4  to  7  grains. 
Purified  opium,  1  to  2  grains. 
Mix  with  syrup,  and  give  two  or  three  times  a  day  to  a  large  dog. 

or, 
19.— Nitrate  of  silver,  i  grain. 

Crumb  of  bread,  enough  to  make  a  small  pill. 

To  be  given  twice  a  day. 
Astringent  wash  for  the  eyes  : 

20. — Sulphate  of  zinc,  5  to  8  grains. 
Water,  2  ounces, — Mix. 

or, 

21. — Extract  of  goulard,  1  drachm. 
Water,  1  ounce. — Mix. 

or, 

22.— Nitrate  of  silver,  2  to  6  grains. 
Distilled  water,  1  ounce.— Mix. 

Wash  for  the  organ : 

23.— Chloride  of  zinc,  *  2  to  grains. 
Water,  1  ounce. — Mix. 

Astringent  application  for  piles : 
24.— Gallic  acid,  10  grains. 

Extract  of  goulard,  15  drops. 
Powdered  opium,  15  grains. 
Lard,  1  ounce. 
Mix,  and  apply  night  and  morning. 


BLISTERS. 

Blisters  are  rarely  used  for  the  dog,  because  unless  he  has  a  proper 
muzzle  on  he  will  lick  them  off,  injuring  himself  very  materi- 
alty.  Sometimes,  however,  as  in  inflammation  of  the  iungs,  they 
are  absolutely  necessary.  Iodine  blisters  to  reduce  local  swellings 
may  often  be  applied  with  a  bandage  over  them,  but  even  thent 


CAUSTICS.  297 

unless  there  is  a  muzzle  on,  the  dog  soon  gets  the  bandage  off,  and 
uses  his  tongue.  The  chief  are  cantharides,  turpentine,  sulphuric 
acid,  mustard,  ammonia,  tincture  of  iodine,  and  biniodide  of  mer- 
cury; the  last  two  having  some  peculiar  effect  in  producing  ab- 
sorption of  any  diseased  substance  lying  beneath.  In  all  cases  the 
hair  ought  to  be  cut  off  as  closely  as  possible. 

A  mild  blister : 

25. — Powdered  cantharides,  5  or  6  drachms. 
Venice  turpentine,  1  ounce. 
Lard,  4  ounces. — Mix,  and  rub  in. 

Strong  blister : 

26.— Strong  mercurial  ointment,  4  ounces. 
Oil  of  origanum,  i  ounce. 
Finely  powdered  euphorbium,  3  drachms. 
Powdered  cantharides,  i  ounce. — Mix. 

Very  quick  blister : 

27. — Flour  of  mustard,  4  ounces. 
Spirit  of  turpentine,  1  ounce. 
Strong  liquor  of  ammonia,  i  ounce. 

Mix  the  mustard  with  water  into  a  paste,  then  add  the  other  ingredients 
and  rub  in. 

For  bony  growths  or  other  tumors : 

28.— Tincture  of  Iodine. 
Painted  on  every  day,  by  means  of  a  common  painter's  brush. 

or, 
29.— Biniodide  of  mercury,  1  to  H  drachms. 

Lard,  1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  rub  in  a  piece  the  size  of  a  nutmeg  every  day,  keeping  the 
part  wet  with  tincture  of  arnica,  i  ounce,  mixed  with  half  a  pint 
of  water. 


CAUSTICS. 

This  name  is  given  to  substances  which  either  actually  or  po- 
tentially destroy  the  living  tissue.  The  actual  cautery  is  an  iron 
heated  iu  the  fire,  the  potential  of  some  chemical  substance,  such 
as  corrosive  sublimate,  lunar  caustic,  caustic  potash,  a  mineral 
acid,  or  the  like.  The  actual  cautery,  or  firing,  is  not  often  used 


298  REMEDIES    SUITED   TO   THE   DOG. 

for  the  dog,  but  in  some  cases  it  is  of  great  service.  Both  kinds 
are  used  for  two  purposes  :  one  to  relieve  the  effects  of  strains  and 
other  injuries  of  the  limbs,  by  which  the  ligaments  are  inflamed, 
and  ths  other  to  remove  diseased  growth,  such  as  warts,  fun- 
gus, etc. 

30.— Firing,  when  adopted  for  the  dog,  should  be  carried  out  with  a 
very  small  thin-edged  iron,  as  the  dog's  skin  is  thin,  and  very  li- 
able to  slough.  No  one  should  attempt  this  without  experience 
or  previously  watching  others. 

81. — Lunar  caustic,  or  nitrate  of  silver,  is  constantly  required,  being 
very  manageable  in  the  hands  of  any  person  accustomed  to 
wounds,  etc. 

32.— Sulphate  of  copper,  or  bluestone,  is  much  milder  than  the  lunar 
caustic,  and  may  be  freely  rubbed  into  the  surface  of  fungus  or 
proud  flesh.  It  is  very  useful  in  ulcerations  about  the  toes. 

33.  —Fused  potass  is  not  fit  for  any  one  but  the  experienced  surgeon. 

34. — Corrosive  sublimate  in  powder  may  be  applied,  carefully  and  in 
very  small  quantities,  to  warts,  and  then  washed  off.  It  is  apt  to 
extend  its  effects  to  the  surrounding  tissues. 

35.— Yellow  orpiment  is  not  so  strong  as  corrosive  sublimate,  and  may 
be  used  in  the  same  way. 

36.— Burned  alum  and  white  sugar,  in  powder,  act  as  mild  caustics. 


CHARGES. 

Charges  are  plasters  which  act  chiefly  by  mechanical  pressure, 
being  spread  on  while  hot,  and  then  covered  with  tow.  They  are 
not  much  used  among  dogs,  but  in  strains  they  are  sometimes 
beneficial,  as  they  allow  the  limb  to  be  exercised  without  injury. 
The  best  for  the  dog  is  composed  as  follows : 

37.— Canada  balsam,  2  ounces. 

Powdered  arnica  leaves,  i  ounce. 

Melt  the  balsam,  and  mix  up  with  the  powder,  with  the  addition  of  a 
little  turpentine,  if  necessary.  Then  smear  over  the  part,  and  cover 
with  tow,  which  is  to  b«  well  matted  in  with  the  hand  ;  or  use  thin 
leather. 


CORDIALS,   DIEUETICS,    AND   EMBROCATIONS.  299 

CORDIALS. 

Warm  stimulating  stomachics  are  so  called.    They  may  be  given 
either  as  a  ball  or  a  drench. 
Cordial  ball : 

38. — Powdered  caraway  seeds,  10  to  15  grains. 
Ginger,  3  to  5  grains. 
Oil  of  cloves,  2  drops. 

Linseed  meal,  enough  to  make  a  ball,  first  mixing  it  with 
boiling  water. 

Cordial  drench : 

39.— Tincture  of  cardamoms,  i  to  1  drachm. 
Sal  volatile,  15  to  30  drops. 
Tincture  of  cascarilla,  i  to  1  drachm. 
Camphor  mixture.  1  oz. — Mix. 


DIURETICS. 

Medicines  which  act  on  the  secretion  of  urine  are  called  diuret- 
ics.    They  are  either  employed  when  the  kidneys  are  sluggish,  to 
restore  the  proper  quantity,  or  to  increase  it  beyond  the  natural 
standard,  when  it  is  desired  to  lower  the  system. 
Diuretic  bolus : 

40.— Nitre,  5  to  8  grains. 
Digitalis,  i  grain. 
Ginger,  2  or  3  grains. 

Mix  with  linseed  meal  and  water,  and  give  all  or  part,  according  to 
the  size  of  the  dog. 

Diuretic  and  alterative  bolus  : 

41. — Iodide  of  potassium,  2  to  4  grains. 
Nitre,  3  to  6  grains. 
Digitalis,  i  grain. 
Extract  of  camomile,  5  grains. 
Mix,  and  give  all  or  part. 


EMBROCATIONS. 


These  external  applications,  otherwise  called  liniments,  are  ex- 
tremely useful  in  the  dog,  for  strains,  or  sometimes  to  relieve 


300  REMEDIES   SUITED   TO   THE  DOG. 

muscular  inflammation,  or  chronic  rheumatism  of  the  joints 
Mustard,  ammonia,  laudanum,  and  turpentine,  are  the  chief  agents 
employed. 

Mustard  embrocation : 

42.— Best  mustard,  3  to  5  ounces. 
Liquor  of  ammonia,  1  ounce. 
Spirit  of  turpentine,  1  ounce. 
Mix  into  a  thin  paste,  and  rub  into  the  part  affected. 

Embrocation  for  strains  or  rheumatism : 
43.— Spirit  of  turpentine, 
Liquor  of  ammonia, 
Laudanum,  of  each  i  ounce. 
Mix,  and  shake  well  before  using,  then  rub  in. 


EMETICS. 

Emetics  are  very  commonly  used  in  the  diseases  of  the  dog,  and 
sometimes  act  very  beneficially;  but  they  have  a  tendency  to 
weaken  the  stomach,  and  should  therefore  be  used  with  caution. 
If  not  frequently  resorted  to  no  harm  is  likely  to  accrue,  as  vom- 
iting is  almost  a  natural  process  in  the  dog. 
Common  salt  emetic : 

44. — Dissolve  a  teaspoonful  of  salt  and  half  a  teaspoonf ul  of  mus- 
tard in  half  a  pint  of  tepid  water,  and  give  it  as  a  drench. 

Strong  emetic  : 

45.— Tartar  emetic,  1  to  3  grains. 

Dissolve  in  a  tablespoonful  of  warm  water,  and  give  as  a  drench  ;  fol- 
lowing it  up  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  by  pouring  down  as  much  thin 
gruel  as  the  dog  can  be  made  to  swallow. 


EXPECTORANTS,  OR  COUGH  MEDICINES. 

The  action  of  these  remedies  is  to  promote  the  flow  of  mucus, 
so  as  to  relieve  the  congestion  of  the  air  passages. 


FEVER   MEDICINES.  301 

Common  cough  bolus : 

46.— Ipecacuanha  in  powder,  i  to  li  grain. 
Powdered  rhubarb,  1  to  2  grains. 
Purified  opium,  *  to  H  grain. 
Compound  squill  pill,  1  to  2  grains. 
Mix,  and  give  night  and  morning. 

Expectorant  draught,  useful  in  recent  cough : 
47.— Ipecacuanha  wine,  5  to  10  drops. 
Common  mucilage,  2  drachms. 
Sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  20  to  30  drops. 
Paregoric,  1  drachm. 
Camphor  mixture,  *  ounce. 
Mix,  and  give  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

Expectorant  draught  for  chronic  cough : 

48. — Compound  tincture  of  benzoin,  8  to  12  drops. 
Syrup  of  poppies,  1  drachm. 
Diluted  sulphuric  acid,  3  to  8  drops. 
Mucilage,  2  drachms. 
Paregoric,  1  drachm. 
Camphor  mixture,  i  ounce. 
Mix,  and  give  twice  a  day. 


FEVER  MEDICINES. 

Fever  medicines  reduce  fever  by  increasing  the  secretions  of 
urine  and  perspiration,  and  by  reducing  the  action  of  the  heart  to 
some  extent. 

Common  fever  powder : 

49. — Nitre  in  powder,  3  to  5  grains. 

Tartar  emetic,  i  grain. 
Mix,  and  put  dry  on  the  dog's  tongue  every  night  and  morning. 

More  active  powder : 

50.— Calomel,  i  to  1*  grain. 
Nitre,  3  to  5  grains. 
Digitalis,  i  to  1  grain. 

Mix,  and  give  once  or  twice  a  day,  in  the  same  way ;  or  made  into 
a  pill  with  confection. 


302  REMEDIES    SUITED   TO    THE    DOG. 

Fever  mixture  : 

51.— Nitre,  1  drachm. 

Sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  3  drachms. 
Mindererus'  spirit,  1  ounce. 
Camphor  mixture,  6*  ounces. 
Mix,  and  give  two  tablespoonf  uls  every  six  hours. 


CLYSTERS. 

Clysters  are  extremely  useful  in  the  dog,  which  is  liable  to  con- 
stipation from  want  of  exercise,  and  in  that  case  is  mechanically 
bound.   A  pint  of  warm  water,  in  which  some  yellow  soap  has  been 
dissolved,  will  generally  have  the  desired  effect. 
Turpentine  clyster  in  colic  : 

52.— Spirit  of  turpentiue,  *  ounce. 
Castor  oil,  1  ounce. 
Laudanum,  2  to  3  drachms. 
Gruel,  1  pint. 
Mix,  and  throw  up,  using  only  half  or  one  third  for  a  small  dog. 


LOTIONS. 

Lotions,  called  Washes,  are  intended  either  to  reduce  the  tem- 
perature in  inflammation  of  the  surface  to  which  they  are  applied, 
or  to  brace  the  vessels  of  the  part. 
Cooling  lotion  for  bruises : 

53.— Extract  of  lead,  1  drachm. 

Tincture  of  arnica,  4  to  1  drachm. 
Water,  i  pint. 

Mix,  and  apply  by  means  of  a  bandage  or  sponge. 
For  severe  stiffness  from  over-exercise : 
54. — Tincture  of  arnica,  i  drachm. 

Strong  spirit  of  wine,  whiskey,  or  brandy,  7i  drachms. 
Mix,  and  rub  well  into  the  back  and  limbs,  before  the  fire. 
Lotion  for  the  eyes : 

55.— Sulphate  of  zinc,  20  to  25  grams. 

Water,  i  pint. 
Mix,  and  wash  the  eyes  night  and  morning. 


OINTMENTS,    STIMULANTS,    AND    STOMACHICS.  303 

Strong  drops  for  the  eyes : 

56.— Nitrate  of  silver,  3  to  8  grains. 
Distilled  water,  1  ounce. 
Mix,  and  drop  in  with  a  quill. 


OINTMENTS. 

By  means  of  lard,  wax,  etc.,  various  substances  are  mixed  up  so 
s  to  be  applied  to  wounds,  chiefly  to  keep  out  the  air. 

A  good  ointment  for  old  sores  : 

57  —Yellow  basilicon, 

Ointment  of  nitric-oxide  of  mercury,  equal  parts. 

Digestive  ointment  : 

58. — Red  precipitate,  2  ounces. 
Venice  turpentine,  3  ounces. 
Beeswax,  li  ounce. 
Lard,  4  ounces. — Mix. 

Mange  ointment: 

58a.— Green  iodide  of  mercury,  1  drachm. 

Lard,  8  drachms. 
Mix,  and  rub  in  carefully  every  2nd  or  3rd  day. 


STIMULANTS— see  CORDIALS. 


STOMACHICS. 

The  name  describes  the  use  of  the  remedies,  which  are  intended 
to  give  tone  to  the  stomach. 

Stomachic  bolus: 

59.— Extract  of  gentian,  6  to  8  grains. 
Powdered  rhubarb,  2  to  3  grains. 
Mix,  and  give  twice  a  day. 


304  REMEDIES    SUITED   TO    THE   DOG. 

Stomachic  draught : 

60. — Tincture  of  cardamoms,  i  to  1  drachm. 
Compound  infusion  of  gentian,  1  ounce. 
Carbonate  of  soda,  3  grains. 
Powdered  ginger,  2  grains. 

Mix,  and  give  twice  a  day. 


STYPTICS. 

Styptics  are  remedies  to  stop  bleeding.  In  the  dog  the  vessels 
seldom  give  way  externally,  but  internally  the  disease  is  very  fre- 
quent, either  in  the  form  of  a  bloody  flux,  or  bloody  urine,  or 
bleeding  from  the  lungs,  for  which  the  following  may  be  tried : 

61 — Superacetate  of  lead,  2  to  3  grains. 
Tincture  of  matico,  30  to  50  drops. 
Vinegar,  10  drops. 
Water,  1  ounce. 
Mix,  and  give  two  or  three  times  a  day. 


TONICS. 

Tonics  permanently  increase  the  tone  or  vigor  of  the  system,  be- 
ing particularly  useful  in  the  recovery  from  low  fever. 

Tonic  pill : 

62 — Sulphate  of  quinine,  1  to  3  grains. 
Extract  of  hemlock,  2  grains. 
Ginger,  2  grains. 
Mix,  and  give  twice  a  day. 
Tonic  mixture : 

63 — Compound  tincture  of  bark,  2  ounces. 

Decoction  of  yellow  bark,  14  ounces. 
Mix,  and  give  three  tablespoonsf  uls  twice  or  thrice  daily  to  a  large  dog. 


WORM  MEDICINES. 


By  this  term  we  are  to  understand  such  substances  as  will  expel 
worms  from  the  intestines  of  the  dog,  their  action  being  either  poi- 


WORM    MEDICINES.  305 

soiious  to  the  worm  itself,  or  so  irritating  as  to  cause  them  to  evacu- 
ate. All  ought  either  to  be  in  themselves  purgative,  or  to  be  fol- 
lowed by  a  medicine  of  that  class,  in  order  to  insure  the  removal 
of  the  eggs,  as  well  as  the  worms  themselves.  More  detailed 
directions  will  be  found  in  the  chapter  of  Worms. 

Aperient-worm  bolus. 

64— Calomel,  2  to  5  grains. 
Jalap,  10  to  20  grains. 
Mix  into  a  bolus,  with  molasses. 

For  general  worms.     Not  aperient,  and  therefore  to  be  followed 

by  castor  oil : 

65— Recently  powdered  areca  nut,  1  to  2  drachms. 

Mix  with  broth,  and  give  t:>  the  dog  directly,  as  there  is  no  taste  in  it 
until  it  has  been  soaked  some  time,  when  the  broth  becomes  bitter.  If 
the  dog  refuses  it  he  must  be  drenched.  Four  hours  after,  give  a  dose 
of  castor  oil.  N.  B.— The  exact  dose  is  2  grains  for  each  pound  the  dog 
weighs. 

For  round- worms,  or  maw-worms  : 

66 — Indian  pink,  i  ounce. 

Boiling  water,  8  ounces. 

Let  it  stand  for  an  hour,  then  strain,  and  give  half  to  a  large  dog,  a 
quarter  to  a  middle  sized  dog,  or  an  eighth  to  a  very  small  one.  This, 
however,  is  a  severe  remedy,  and  is  not  unattended  with  danger.  It 
should  be  followed  by  castor  oil  in  six  hours. 

Mild  remedy,  unattended  with  any  danger: 

67.— Powdered  glass,  as  much  as  will  lie  on  a  twenty-five  cent 
piece,  heaped  up. 

To  be  mixed  with  butter,  and  given  as  a  bolus,  following  it  up  with  cas- 
tor oil  after  six  hours. 

For  tape- worm : 

68 — Kousso,  i  to  k  ounce. 

Lemon  juice,  1  tablespoonful. 
Boiling  water.  ±  pint. 

Pour  the  water  on  the  kousso,  and  when  nearly  cold  add  the  lemon 
iuice.  Stirals  up  together,  and  give  as  a  drench.  It  should  be  fol- 
lowed up  in  six  or  eight  hours  by  a  dose  of  oil. 

Another  remedy  for  tape-worm  : 

69— Sp  rit  of  turpentine,  1  to  4  drachms. 
Tie  this  up  firmly  in  a  piece  of  bjadder,   ben  give  as  a  bolus,  taking  care 


306  BEMEDIES    SUITED   TO    THE    DOG. 

not  to  burst  the  bladder.    This  also  requires  a  dose  of  oil  to  follow.    Or 
mix  the  turpentine  with  suet  into  a  bolus. 

Another : 

70— Fresh  root  of  male  fern,  1  to  4  drachms. 
Powdered  jalap,  15  grains. 
Liquorice  powder  and  water,  enough  to  make  a  bolus. 

tf .  B.—  Ths  oil  of  mate  fern  is  better  than  the  dry  root,  the  dose  being 
i«u  co  thirty  drops. 


ADMINISTRATION  OF  REMEDIES. 

Some  considerable  tact  and  knowledge  of  the  animal  are  re- 
quired, in  order  to  give  medicines  to  the  dog  to  the  best  advantage. 
In  the  first  place,  his  stomach  is  peculiarly  irritable,  and  so  much 
under  the  control  of  the  will,  that  most  dogs  can  vomit  whenever 
they  like.  Hence  it  is  not  only  necessary  to  give  the  medicine, 
but  also  to  insure  its  being  kept  down.  For  this  purpose,  however, 
it  is  generally  only  accessary  to  keep  up  the  dog's  head,  as  he  will 
not  readily  vomit  without  bringing  his  nose  to  the  ground,  and  so 
it  is  the  regular  practice  in  large  kennels,  in  giving  a  dose  of 
physic,  to  put  thfl  couples  on,  and  fasten  them  up  to  a  hook,  at 
such  a  hight  that  the  dog  cannot  lower  his  head,  maintaining  this 
position  for  two  or  three  hours.  A  single  dog  may  be  watched,  if 
such  is  preferred,  but  a  lot  of  hounds  in  physic  must  b«  treated 
•with  less  ceremony. 


THE  DOG'S  SYSTEM  RESEMBLES  THAT  OF  MAN. 

The  effects  of  remedies  on  the  clog  are  nearly  the  same  as  on 
man,  so  that  any  one  who  understands  how  to  manage  himself 
may  readily  extend  his  sphere  of  usefulness  to  the  dog.  On  the 
other  hand,  horses  require  a  very  different  treatment,  which  ac- 
counts for  the  ignorance  of  the  diseases  of  the  dog  so  often  dis- 
played by  otherwise  clever  veterinary  surgeons,  who  have  confined 


MODE    OF    GIVING   A   BOLUS    OK   PILL.  307 

their  attention  to  the  more  valuable  animal.  Some  remedies  affect 
the  clog  differently,  however;  thus  laudanum,  which  is  a  very 
dangerous  drug  in  human  medicine,  rarely  does  harm  to  the 
canine  species,  and  treble  the  dose  for  a  man  will  be  required  for 
the  dog.  On  the  other  hand,  calomel  is  quite  the  reverse,  being 
extremely  liable  to  produce  great  irritation  on  the  lining  mem- 
brane of  the  dog's  stomach  and  bowels. 


MODE    OF    GIVING    A   BOLUS    OR   PILL. 

If  the  dog  is  small,  take  him  on  the  lap,  without  harshness,  and 
if  inclined  to  use  his  claws,  tie  a  coarse  towel  round  his  neck,  let- 
ting it  fall  down  in  front,  which  will  muffle  them  effectually ;  then 
with  the  finger  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  press  open  the  mouth 
by  inserting  them  between  the  teeth,  far  enough  back  to  take  in 
the  cheeks.  This  compels  the  mouth  to  open  from  the  pain  given 
by  the  pressure  against  the  teeth,  while  it  also  prevents  the  dog 
from  biting  the  fingers.  Tiie:i  raising  the  nose,  drop  the  pill  as 
far  back  as  possible,  and  push  it  well  down  the  throat  with  the 
forefinger  of  the  right  hand.  Let  go  with  the  left  hand,  still  hold 
up  the  nose,  keeping  the  mouth  shut,  and  the  pill  is  sure  to  go 
down.  Two  persons  are  required  in  administering  a  pill  to  a  large 
dog,  if  he  is  at  all  inclined  to  resist.  First,  back  him  into  a  corner, 
then  stride  over  him,  and  putting  a  thick  cloth  into  his  mouth, 
bring  it  together  over  the  nose,  where  it  is  held  by  the  left  hand ; 
the  right  can  then  generally  lay  hold  of  the  lower  jaw.  But  if  the 
dog  is  very  obstinate,  another  cloth  must  also  be  placed  over  the 
first,  and  then  as  they  are  drawn  apart,  an  assistant  can  push  the 
pill  down.  Very  often  a  piece  of  meat  may  be  used  to  wrap  the 
pill  in,  and  the  dog  will  readily  bolt  it ;  but  sometimes  it  is  de- 
sirable to  avoid  this,  as  it  may  be  necessary  to  give  the  medicine 
by  itself.  Even  large  dogs,  however,  are  seldom  so  troublesome  as 
to  require  the  above  precautions  in  giving  pills,  though  they,  as  a 
general  thing,  obstinately  refuse  liquid  medicine  when  they  have 
tasted  it  once  or  twice. 


308  REMEDIES    SUITED    TO    THE   DO3. 

MODE    OF    DRENCHING    THE    DOG. 

If  a  small  quantity  only  is  to  be  given,  the  dog's  head  being 
held,  the  liquid  may  be  poured  tarough  the  closed  teeth  by  mak- 
ing a  little  pouch  of  the  cheek.  This,  however,  is  a  tedious  pro 
cess,  as  the  animal  often  refuses  to  swallow  the  medicine  tor  a 
long  time,  and  then  struggles  until  half  is  wasted.  A  spoon  an 
swers  for  small  quantitL-s;  for  large  quantities  a  soda-wator  bol 
ties  is  the  best  instrument.  Having  the  dog  held  on  either  of  the 
plans  recommended  in  the  last  paragraph,  pour  a  little  of  the  fluid 
down  his  throat,  and  shut  the  mouth.  This  is  necessary,  inasmuch 
as  the  act  of  swallowing  can  not  be  performed  with  the  mouth 
open.  Repeat  this,  until  all  the  medicine  is  swallowed.  Then 
watcli  the  dog,  or  tie  up  his  head  until  it  is  certain  that  the  medi- 
cine will  be  retained  on  the  stomach. 


CLYSTERS    OR   INJECTIONS. 

When  the  bowels  are  very  much  confined,  a  pint  or  two  of 
warm  gruel  will,  if  thrown  up  into  the  rectum,  often  be  of  great 
service.  The  dog  should  be  placed  on  his  side,  and  held  in  this 
position  on  a  table  by  an  assistant,  while  the  operator  passes  the 
pipe  carefully  into  the  rectum,  and  pumps  up  the  fluid. 


CHAPTER   III. 

FEVERS   AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 

SIMPLE  EPHEMERAL  FEVER,  OR  COLD.— EPIDEMIC  FEVER,  OR  INFLT7* 
ENZA.— TYPHUS  FWVER,  OR  DISTEMPER.— RHEUMATIC  FEVER.— SMALL- 
POX.—SYMPATHETIC  FEVER. 

The  dog  is  peculiarly  liable  to  febrile  attacks,  which  have  always 
a  tendency  to  put  on  a  low  form,  very  similar  in  its  nature  to  that 
known  as  typhus  in  human  diseases.  This  is  so  generally  the 
case,  that  every  dog  is  said  to  have  the  distemper  at  some  time  of 
Lis  life,  that  naino  being  given  to  this  low  form  of  fever.  An  at- 
tack may  commence  with  a  common  col  1,  or  any  inflammatory 
affection  of  the  lungs,  bowels,  etc.;  and  on  assuming  the  low 
form,  is  followed  by  a  genuine  case  of  typhus  fever  or  distemper. 
Nevertheless,  it  does  not  follow  that  the  one  must  necessarily  end 
in  the  other ;  the  dog  may  have  simple  fever,  known  as  "  a  co?d,w 
or  various  other  complaints,  without  being  subjected  to  the  true 
distemper.  The  fevers  occurring  in  the  dog  are:  1st,  Simple 
ephemeral  fever,  commonly  called  "  a  cold  ; "  2d,  Simple  epidemic 
fever,  or  influenza  ;  3d,  Typhus  fever,  known  as  Distemper;  4th, 
Rheumatic  fever,  attacking  the  muscular  and  fibrous  systems; 
and,  5th,  Small-pox. 


SIMPLE  EPHEMERAL  FEVER. 

Simple  Ephemeral  Fever,  known  as  •' a  common  cold,"  is 
ushered  in  by  chilliness,  with  increased  heat  of  surface,  a  quick 
pulse,  and  slightly  hurried  breathing.  The  appeti:e  is  not  as  good 
as  usual ;  the  eyes  look  dull ;  the  bowels  are  costive;  the  urine  is 
scanty  and  high-colored  There  are  often  cough  ana  sugnt  run 
309 


310  FEVERS   AXD   THEIR  TREATMENT. 

nm;?  at  the  nose  and  eyes,  and  sometimes  other  internal  organs  are 
attacked  ;  or  the  disease  goes  on  until  a  different  form  of  fever  is 
established,  known  as  typhus.  This  often  occurs  when  many  '.Iocs 
arc  collected  together,  or  when  one  or  two  are  kept  in  a  close  ken 
nei,  where  there  is  neither  proper  ventilation  nor  cleanliness. 

Cause. — Exposure  to  wet  or  cold. 

Treatment.  -Complete  rest ;  a  gentle  dose  of  opening  medicine  : 
(12)  or  (13)  if  the  liver  is  torpid,  (15)  if  acting.  After  this  has 
acted,  give  slops,  and  if  there  is  still  much  fever,  one  of  the 
remedies  (45)  or  (51).  If  there  is  much  cough,  give  the  draught  (47) 
or  the  bolus  (40), 


INFLUENZA. 

The  symptoms  of  influenza  at  first  closely  resemble  those  of 
ephemeral  fever,  but  as'they  depend  upon  some  peculiar  condition 
of  the  air  which  prevails  at  the  time,  and  as  they  are  more  per- 
sistent, the  name  influenza  is  given  to  the  disease.  After  the  first 
few  days,  the  running  at  the  eyes  and  nose  increases,  and  a  cough 
is  almost  always  present.  These  symptoms  often  continue  for  two 
or  three  weeks,  and  are  followed  with  great  prostration  of  strength 
and  often  a  chronic  cough,  which  requires  careful  treatment 

The  cause  is  to  be  looked  for  in  some  peculiar  state  of  the  air, 
concerning  the  nature  of  which  nothing  is  known  at  present. 

Treatment.— In  the  early  stage,  the  remedies  should  be  the  same 
as  for  ordinary  or  simple  "cold."  Towards  the  second  week,  a 
cough-bolus  (46)  or  draught  (47)  will  generally  be  required.  When 
the  strength  is  much  reduced  after  the  seconu  week,  and  the  cough 
is  nearly  gone,  give  a  tonic  pill  (62)  t»r  mixture  (63).  Great  care 
should  be  taken  not  to  bring  on  .1  relapse  by  improper  food,  or  by 
too  early  an  allowance  of  exercise.  Fresh  air  is  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance, but  it  must  be  tfiken  at  a  slow  pace,  as  a  gallop  will  often 
undo  all  that  has  been  effected  in  the  way  of  a  cure. 


TYPHUS    FEVER,    OR   DISTEMPEE.  311 

TYPHUS  FEVER,  OR  DISTEMPER. 

It  is  now  generally  admitted  that  this  disease  is  similar  to  typhus 
fever  in  man,  and  should  be  treated  in  much  the  same  manner. 

The  essence  of  the  disease  is  some  poison  admitted  from  with- 
out, or  developed  within  the  blood,  by  which  the  various  secretions 
are  either  totally  checked,  or  so  altered  as  no  longer  to  purify  the 
system.  The  exact  nature  of  this  poison  is  beyond  our  present 
state  of  knowledge,  but  from  analogy  there  is  little  doubt  that  it 
resides  in  the  blood.  As  in  all  cases  of  poison  absorbed  in  the 
system,  there  is  a  most  rapidly  depressing  effect  upon  the  muscular 
powers,  which  is  to  ba  expected,  inasmuch  as  their  action  requires 
a  constant  formation  of  n:w  material  from  the  blood.  As  this  is 
retarded  in  common  with  all  other  functions,  the  muscles  waste 
away  rapidly,  and  their  contractions  are  not  performed  with  any 
strength.  The  dis3as3  is  sometimes  conveyed  by  infection.  At 
others  it  is  developed  in  the  body  ;  just  as  in  the  case  of  fermen- 
tation in  vegetabb  substances,  there  may  be  a  ferment  added  to  a 
saccharine  solution,  by  which  the  process  is  hastened,  although  if 
left  to  itself,  it  will  come  on  in  due  course. 

The  symptoms  are  various  ;  they  may  be  divided  into  two  classes, 
one  of  which  comprises  those  always  attending  upon  distemper ; 
the  other  may  or  may  not  be  present  in  any  individual  attack.  The 
invariable  symptoms  are,  a  low  insidious  fever,  with  prostration  of 
strength  to  a  remarkable  degree,  in  proportion  to  the  duration  and 
strength  of  me  attack,  and  rapid  emaciation,  so  that  a  thick  mus- 
cular dog  often  becomes  quite  thin  and  lanky  in  three  days.  As  a 
part  of  the  fever,  there  is  shivering,  attended  by  quick  pulse,  hur- 
ried respiration,  loss  of  appetite,  and  impaired  secretions.  Beyond 
these,  there  are  no  signs  which  can  be  called  positively  invariable, 
though  the  running  at  the  eyes  and  nose,  and  the  short  husky 
cough,  especially  after  exercise,  arc  very  nearly  always  present. 
The  accidental  symptoms  depend  upon  the  particular  complication 
which  may  exist ;  for  one  of  the  most  remarkable  features  in  dis- 
temper is,  that,  coupled  with  the  above  invariable  symptoms,  there 
may  be  congestion,  or  inflammation  of  the  head,  chest,  bowels,  or 


312          FEVERS  AND  THEIR  TREATMENT. 

skin.  In  one  case  the  disease  may  appear  to  be  entirely  confined 
to  the  head,  in  another  to  the  chest,  and  in  a  third  to  the  bowels ; 
yet  it  results  from  the  same  cause  in  each  case,  and  requires  the 
same  general  plan  of  treatment,  modified  according  to  the  seat  of 
the  complication. 

When  distemper  is  the  result  of  neglect,  it  generally  succeeds 
some  other  disease  which  may  have  existed  for  an  indefinite  period. 
The  ordinary  course  of  an  attack  of  distemper,  when  epidemic,  or 
the  result  of  contagion,  is  as  follows :  general  dullness  or  lassitude, 
together  with  loss  of  appetite  are  first  observed.  A  peculiar  husky 
cough  generally  follows  in  a  day  or  two,  with  sounds  as  if  the  dog 
were  trying  to  discharge  a  piece  of  straw  from  his  throat.  It  al- 
ways comes  on  at  exercise  after  a  gallop.  With  this  there  is  also  a 
tendency  to  sneeze,  but  not  so  marked  as  the  4i  husk  "  or  "  tissuck  " 
which  may  occur  in  common  "cold "  or  influenza,  and  is  then  usu- 
ally more  severe,  and  also  more  variable  in  its  severity ;  soon 
gjing  on  to  inflammation,  or  else  entirely  ceasing  in  a  few  days. 
In  distemper,  the  strength  and  flesh  rapidly  fail  and  waste,  while 
in  common  "cold,"  the  cough  may  continue  for  days  without  much 
alteration  in  either;  this  is  one  of  the  chief  characteristics  of  the 
true  disease.  There  is,  also,  generally  a  black  pitchy  condition  of 
the  faeces,  and  the  urine  is  scanty  and  high-colored.  The  white  of 
the  eyes  is  always  more  or  less  reddened,  the  color  being  of  a  bluish 
red  cast,  and  the  vessels  being  evidently  gorged  with  blood.  When 
the  brain  is  attacked,  the  eyes  are  more  injected  than  when  the 
bowels  or  lungs  is  the  seat  of  complication.  The  corners  of  the 
eyes  have  a  small  drop  of  mucus,  and  the  nos3  runs  more  or  less, 
wMch  symptoms,  as  the  disease  goes  on,  are  much  aggravated, 
both  eyes  being  glued  by  brownish  matter.  The  teeth  are  also  cov- 
ered with  a  blackish  brown  fur.  These  are  the  regular  symptoms 
of  a  severe  attack  of  distemper,  which  gradually  increases  in  sever- 
ity to  the  third,  fourth,  or  fifth  week,  when  the  dog  dies  from  ex- 
haustion, or  from  disease  of  the  brain,  lungs,  or  bowels,  marked  by 
peculiar  signs  in  each  case.  In  this  course  the  disease  may  be  de- 
scribed as  passing  through  four  stages  or  periods  :  1st,  that  in  which 
the  poison  is  spreading  through  the  system,  called  the  period  of  in- 


TYPHUS   FEVER,    OB   DISTEMPEB.  313 

cuLation ;  2nd,  that  in  which  nature  rouses  her  powers  to  expel  it, 
called  the  period  of  reaction ;  3rd,  the  period  of  prostration,  dur- 
ing which  the  powers  of  nature  are  exhausted,  or  nearly  so,  by  the 
efforts  which  have  been  made;  an.l  4th,  the  period  of  convales- 
cence. On  the  average,  eacli  of  these  will  occupy  a  week  or  ten 
days,  varying  with  the  mildness  or  severity  of  the  attack. 

When  the  head  is  attacked,  there  may  or  may  not  be  a  running 
from  the  nose  and  eyes;  but  more  usually  there  is  some  evidence 
of  congestion  in  these  organs,  the  eyes  being  weak  and  glued  up 
with  the  mucus,  and  the  nose  running  more  or  less.  A  fit  is,  how- 
ever, the  clearest  evidence  of  brain  affection,  and,  to  a  common 
observer,  the  only  reliable  one.  Sometimes  there  is  stupor  with- 
out a  fit,  gradually  increasing  until  the  dog  becomes  insensible,  and 
dies.  At  other  times,  a  raving  delirium  comes  on,  easily  mistaken 
for  hydrophobia,  hjit  distinguished  from  it  by  the  presence  of  the 
premonitory  symptoms,  peculiar  to  distemper.  This  is  the  most 
fatal  complication  of  all,  and,  if  the  dog  recovers,  he  is  often  a  vic- 
tim to  palsy  or  chorea  for  the  rest  of  his  life. 

If  the  lungs  are  attacked,  there  is  very  rapid  breathing,  with 
cough,  and  generally  a  considerable  running  from  the  eyes  and 
nose,  accompanied  with  expectoration  of  thick  frothy  mucus.  If 
inflammation  of  the  lungs  is  established,  the  clanger  is  as  great  as 
when  the  head  is  the  seat  of  the  malady. 

The  bowels  may  be  known  to  be  seized  when  there  is  a  violent 
purging  of  black  offensive  matter,  oft°n  tinged  with  blood,  and 
sometimes  mixed  with  patches  or  shreds  of  a  white  leathery  sub- 
stance, which  is  coagulable  lymph.  The  discharge  of  blood  is,  in 
some  cases,  excessive,  and  quickly  carries  off  the  dog. 

If  the  skin  is  attacked,  which  is  a  favorable  sign,  there  is  a 
breaking  out  of  pustules  on  the  inside  of  the  thighs  and  belly, 
which  fill  with  matter,  often  tinged  with  dark  blood,  and  some- 
times with  blood  itself  of  a  dark  purple  color. 

It  is  not  an  easy  matter  for  an  inexperienced  observer  to  dis- 
tinguish distemper  from  similar  affections,  but  the  practised  eye 
readily  detects  the  difference.  The  chief  diseases  which  are  likely 
to  be  confounded  with  distemper  are,  the  true  canine  madness, 
14 


314          FEVERS  AND  THEIR  TREATMENT. 

common  cold  or  influenza,  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  and  diar- 
rhoea. The  first  of  these  runs  a  rapid  course,  and  is  ushered  in  by 
peculiar  changes  in  the  temper,  which  will  be  described  under  the 
head  of  hydrophobia.  Cold  and  influenza  cause  no  great  prostration 
of  strength.  The  former  comes  on  after  exposure  to  the  weather, 
while  the  latter  is  sure  to  be  prevalent  at  the  time.  Inflammation 
of  the  lungs  must  be  studied  to  be  known  ;  simple  diarrhoea  has  no 
fever  attending  upon  it. 

The  treatment  of  distemper  is  twofold';  care  first,  being  directed 
to  the  safe  conduct  through  the  lowering  effects  of  the  complaint, 
and  second  to  the  warding  off  of  the  fatal  results  which  are  iikeiy 
to  be  occasioned  by  the  local  complications  in  the  brain,  lungs,  or 
bowels.  It  must  be  remembered  that  the  disease  is  an  effort  of 
nature  to  rid  itself  of  a  poison ;  and,  consequently,  the  powers  of 
the  system  must  be  aided  throughout,  or  they  will  be  incompetent 
to  their  task.  One  great  means  of  carrying  off  this  poison,  is  to 
be  looked  for  in  the  bowels  and  kidneys.  These  organs  must  be 
restored  as  far  as  possible  to  their  natural  condition,  care  being  ex- 
ercised  that  they  are  not  injured  by  the  remedies  used.  It  is  well 
known,  for  instance,  that  aparienta,  and  especially  calomel,  have 
the  property  of  restoring  the  suspended  action  of  the  liver.  But 
they  also  have  an  injurious  effect  upon  the  strength  of  the  general 
system,  and  therefore  must  be  used  with  great  caution.  The  best 
formulae  is,  (13)  or  (15)  given  only  once  or  twice,  at  intervals  of  two 
or  three  days.  After  the  secretions  are  restored,  the  next  thing  is 
to  look  out  for  the  complications  in  the  brain,  lungs,  and  bowels, 
which  are  to  be  expected  ;  and,  if  present,  to  counteract  them  by 
appropriate  remedies.  A  sston  phced  on  the  back  of  the  neck, 
covering  the  tape  with  blister  ointment,  will  be  likely  to  relieve  the 
head,  together  with  cold  applications  of  vinegar  and  water  by 
means  of  a  sponge.  At  the  same  time  the  fever  mixture  (51)  may 
be  regularly  administered.  For  any  trifling  complication  in  the 
lungs  the  fever  powder  (49)  will  generally  suffice  ;  but,  if  severe, 
blood  must  be  taken  from  the  neck  vein ;  though  this,  if  possible, 
should  be  avoided,  and  the  cough  bolus  or  draught  (46)  or  (47)  be 
administered.  Diarrhoea  must  be  at  once  checked  by  one  of  the 


TYPHUS   FEVEK,    OK   DISTEMPER.  315 

mixtures  (6)  or  (8) ;  or,  if  very  severe,  by  the  pill  (19).  At  the 
same  time,  rice-water  should  be  given  as  the  only  drink ;  and  beef- 
tea,  thickened  with  arrow-root  or  rice,  as  the  sole  article  of  diet, 
changing  it  occasionally  for  port  wine  and  arrow  root.  When  the- 
stage  of  exhaustion  has  commenced,  the  tonic  mixture  (63)  will  gen- 
erally be  required  ;  and  it  is  astonishing  what  may  be  done  by  a  per- 
severance hi  its  use.  Dogs  which  appear  to  be  dying  will  often  re- 
cover. No  case  should  be  given  up  as  long  as  there  is  any  life 
remaining. 

The  diet  should  be  carefully  attended  to,  little  or  no  food  being 
required  on  the  first  four  or  six  days,  beyond  weak  broth  or  gruel, 
no  solid  food  from  the  first  being  permitted.  This  restriction  must 
be  maintained  until  the  dog  is  quite  recovered.  When  the  state  of 
exhaustion  or  prostration  comes  on,  good  strong  beef-tea  should  be 
given  every  three  or  four  hours,  and,  if  the  dog  will  not  swallow 
it,  force  should  be  used ;  a  spoonful  at  a  time  being  given  in  the 
manner  described  elsewhere  for  drenching.  Port  wine  is  often  of 
service  at  such  times,  being  thickened  with  arrow-root,  and  given 
alternately  with  beef-tea.  For  a  dog  of  average  size,  the  plan 
is  to  give  a  teacupful  of  beef-tea,  then,  after  two  hours,  the  same 
quantity  of  arrow-root  and  wine;  then,  again,  after  two  hours,  a 
dose  of  the  tonic  mixture,  and  so  on  through  the  twenty-four 
hours.  Perseverance  in  this  troublesome  plan  will  generally  be 
rewarded  with  success,  but,  of  course,  it  is  only  a  valuable  dog 
which  will  reward  it  properly.  In  less  important  animals,  the 
beef-tea  may  be  provided,  and  if  it  is  not  voluntarily  swallowed, 
the  poor  patient  often  dies  for  want  of  the  compulsion,  so  that 
humanity  as  well  as  self-interest  counsel  the  adoption  of  what 
often  appears  a  harsh  proceeding. 

No  exercise,  even  of  the  most  gentle  kind,  should  be  allowed, 
as  it  invariably  tends  to  bring  on  a  return  of  the  disease.  Many  a 
young  dog  has  been  sacrificed  to  the  mistaken  kindness  of  his 
master,  who  has  thought  that  a  "  breath  of  fresh  air"  would  do 
him  good.  And  so  it  would,  if  taken  in  an  easy  carriage,  at  rest ; 
but  the  muscular  exertion  necessary  to  procure  it  is  highly  injuri- 
ous, and  should  be  delayed  until  the  strength  is  restored.  This  is 


316  FEVEKS    AND   THEIE   TREATMENT. 

one  reason  why  dogs  in  the  country  bear  distemper  so  much  better 
than  in  towns ;  for,  as  it  is  known  that  they  are  in  the  fresh  air, 
no  attempt  is  made  to  take  them  to  it,  and  so  they  are  left  alone, 
and  are  not  induced  to  exert  their  strength  prematurely.  Even 
when  the  dog  appears  nearly  well,  it  is  better  to  lead  him  out  to 
excercise  for  the  first  clay  or  two.  Otherwise  he  is  almost  sure  to 
over-exert  himself. 

Ventilation  should  not  be  neglected  ;  moderate  warmth  is  essen- 
tial to  a  cure,  and  a  delicate  dog  like  the  greyhound  should  have 
a  cloth  on  him  in  cold  weather.  The  greatest  cleanliness 
should  be  observed,  and  as  far  as  possible  without  making  the 
kennel  damp  with  water.  Clean  straw  must  be  liberally  provided, 
and  all  offensive  matters  removed  as  often  as  they  are  voided. 

Summary  of  treatment.— In  the  early  stage  of  disease,  get  the 
bowels  into  good  order  by  mild  doses  of  aperient  medicine  :  (11), 
(13),  or  (15).  Attend  to  any  complications  which  may  come  on, 
using  a  seton  for  the  head  and  appropriate  remedies  for  the  chest, 
or  mixture  for  the  bowels  (6)  if  there  is  diarrhoea.  For  the  exhaus- 
tion, when  the  violent  symptoms  are  abated,  give  the  tonic  (63) ; 
and  during  the  whole  period  attend  to  the  diet,  ventilation,  cleanli- 
ness, and  rest,  as  previously  described. 

Vaccination  has  been  recommended  as  a  remedy  for  distemper, 
and  has  been  largely  tried  both  in  foxhound  and  greyhound  ken- 
nels, as  well  as  among  pointers  and  setters.  Some  people  think  it 
a  sure  preventive,  and  there  is  evidence  that  for  years  after  it  has 
been  adopted  in  certain  kennels,  distemper,  which  was  previously 
rife  among  them,  has  been  held  in  check.  On  the  other  hand,  a 
still  more  numerous  party  have  found  no  change  produced  in  the 
mortality  among  their  dogs,  and  they  have  come  as  a  natural  con- 
sequence to  the  opposite  conclusion.  Reasoning  from  analogy, 
there  is  no  ground  for  supposing  that  small-pox  or  cow-pox  should 
prevent  the  access  of  a  disease  totally  dissimilar  to  these  com- 
plaints ;  inasmuch  as  experience  is  the  best  guide,  the  appeal  must 
be  made  to  it  in  order  to  settle  the  question.  Judging  from  this 
test,  I  can  see  no  reason  whatever  for  the  faith  which  is  placed  in 
vaccination,  because  there  are  at  least  as  many  recorded  failures 


RHEUMATIC  FEVEB.  317 

as  successes ;  and  as  we  know  that  after  any  remedy  there  will 
always  be  a  certain  number  of  assumed  cures  held  out  by  sanguine 
individuals,  so  we  must  allow  for  a  great  many  in  this  particular 
case.  Distemper  is  well  known  to  be  most  irrregular  in  its  attacks, 
and  to  hit  or  miss  particular  kennels,  as  the  case  may  be,  for  years 
together,  and  as  vaccination  is  used  at  any  of  these  various  periods 
of  change,  so  it  gains  credit  or  discredit  which  it  does  not  deserve. 
After  trying  it  myself  and  seeing  it  tried,  and  after  also  comparing 
the  experience  of  others,  my  own  belief  is,  that  vaccination  is 
wholly  inoperative ;  but,  as  others  may  like  to  test  it  for  them- 
selves, I  here  append  directions  for  the  operation  : 

To  vaccinate  the  dog,  select  the  thin  skin  on  the  inside  of  the 
ear,  then  with  a  lancet  charged  with  fresh  vaccine  lymph,  make 
three  or  four  oblique  punctures  in  the  skin,  to  such  a  depth  as 
barely  to  draw  blood,  charging  the  lancet  afresh  each  time.  If  the 
lymph  cannot  be  procured  iresh,  the  punctures  must  be  made  as 
above  described,  and  then  the  points  charged  with  dry  lymph 
must  be  introduced,  one  in  each  puncture,  and  well  rubbed  into 
the  cut  surface  so  as  to  insure  the  removal  of  the  lymph  from  the 
points.  In  four  or  five  days  an  imperfect  vesicle  is  formed,  which, 
if  not  rubbed,  goes  on  to  maturity  and  scabs  at  the  end  of  ten 
days  or  thereabout.  There  are  various  other  methods  suggested, 
such  as  introducing  a  piece  of  thread  dipped  in  the  virus,  etc., 
but  the  above  is  the  proper  plan,  if  any  is  likely  to  be  e*?ectual. 

The  treatment  of  the  various  sequels  of  distemper,  including 
fits,  palsy,  etc.,  will  be  given  under  those  heads  respectively 


RHEUMATIC   FEVER. 


One  of  the  most  common  diseases  in  the  dog,  is  rheumatism  *% 
some  form,  generally  showing  itself  with  very  little  fever,  hu* 
sometimes  being  accompanied  with  a  high  degree  of  fever.  The 
frequency  of  this  disease  is  owing  to  the  constant  exposure  of  the 
dog  to  cold  and  wet,  and  very  often  to  his  kennel  being  dampi 


S18  FEVERS    AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 

which  is  the  fertile  source  of  kennel  lameness,  or  chest-founder, 
the  latter  being  nothing  more  than  rheumatism  of  the  muscles  of 
the  shoulders.  Again,  those  which  spend  half  their  time  before  a 
roasting  fire,  and  the  other  half  in  the  wet  and  cold,  are  very  liable 
to  contract  this  kind  of  fever,  but  not  in  so  intractable  a  form  as 
the  denizen  of  the  clamp  kennel.  By  some  writers  this  affection 
is  classed  among  inflammations,  and  it  is  a  debatable  point  to  which 
of  these  divisions  it  should  be  assigned.  But  this  is  of  little  con- 
sequence, so  that  the  fever  is  properly  known  and  easily  recog- 
nized by  the  symptoms.  I  shall  therefore  include  here,  rheumatic 
fever,  which  is  a  general  affection,  and  also  the  partial  attacks 
known  as  kennel  lameness  or  chest-founder,  and  rheumatism  of 
the  loins,  commonly  called  palsy  of  the  back. 

Rheumatic  fever  is  known  by  the  following  signs : — There  is 
considerable  evidence  of  fever,  but  not  of  a  very  high  character, 
th?.  pulse  being  full  but  not  very  quick,  with  shivering  and  dull- 
ness, except  when  touched  or  threatened — the  slightest  approach 
causing  a  shriek,  evidently  from  the  fear  of  pain.  The  dog  gen- 
erally retires  into  a  corner,  and  is  very  reluctant  to  come  out.  On 
being  forcibly  brought  out,  he  snarls  at  the  hand  even  of  his  best 
friend,  and  stands  with  his  back  up,  evidently  prepared  to  defend 
himself  from  the  pat  of  the  hand,  which  to  him  is  anguish.  The 
bowels  are  confined,  and  the  urine  highly  colored  and  scanty. 
The  treatment  consists  in  bleeding  from  the  neck,  to  a  moderate 
extent,  if  the  dog  is  very  gross  and  full  of  condition,  followed  with 
a  smart  dose  of  opening  physic :  (12)  or  (13).  After  this  has  acted 
give  the  following  pills : 

Calomel. 

Purified  opium,  of  each  1  grain. 
Powdered  root  of  colchicum,  2  to  3  grains. 
Syrup,  enough  to  make  a  pill. 

This  is  the  dose  for  an  average-sized  dog.  A  hot  bath  is  often  of 
service,  care  being  taken  to  dry  the  skin  before  the  fire.  Then 
follow  up  with  a  liberal  friction  by  the  aid  of  the  liniment  (43). 

Kennel  lameness,  or  chest-founder,  manifests  itself  in  a  stiffness 
or  soreness  of  the  shoulders,  so  that  the  dog  is  unable  to  gallop 


RHEUMATIC    FBVKB.  319 

freely  down  hill,  and  is  often  reluctant  to  jump  off  his  bench  to 
the  ground,  the  shock  giving  pain  to  the  muscles.  It  is  very  com- 
mon in  the  kennels  of  foxhounds,  for  these  dogs,  being  exposed 
to  wet  and  cold  for  hours  together,  and  then  brought  home  to  a 
damp  lodging-room,  contract  the  disease  with  great  frequency. 
Pampered  house  pets  are  also  very  liable  to  chest-founder,  over- 
feeding being  quite  as  likely  to  produce  rheumatism  as  exposure  to 
cold,  and  when  both  are  united  this  condition  is  almost  sure  to 
follow.  When  it  becomes  chronic  there  is  little  or  no  fever.  After 
it.  has  existed  for  some  months  it  is  generally  regarded  as  incurable, 
but  instances  are  known  in  which  the  stiffness  has  entirely  disap- 
peared. Chest-founder  also  arises  from  a  sprain  of  the  muscles 
which  suspend  the  chest  between  the  shoulders. 

The  remedies  for  kennel  lameness  are  nearly  the  same  as  for 
general  rheumatism,  care  being  taken  to  remove  the  cause  if  it  has 
existed  in  the  shape  of  a  damp  cold  lodging-room.  The  food 
should  be  lu;ht,  and  composed  chiefly  of  vegetable  materials; 
strong  animal  food  tends  to  increase  the  rheumatic  affection.  The 
liniment  (43)  is  very  likely  to  be  of  service,  especially  if  used  after 
the  hot  bath,  as  previously  described.  It  has  been  asserted,  by 
persons  of  experience,  that  a  red  herring  given  two  or  three  times 
a  week  will  cure  this  disease.  I  have  no  personal  experience 
of  the  merits  of  this  remedy,  but,  according  to  Col.  Whyte,  it  has 
recently  been  discovered  that  in  the  herring  there  is  a  specific  for 
human  rheumatism.  It  is  worth  a  trial  in  dogs.  It  is  given  with 
two  drachms  of  nitre  and  one  of  camphor.  Most  dogs  readily  eat 
the  herring  and  camphor,  and  the  nitre  is  added  in  a  little  water  as 
a  drench.  Cod  liver  oil  is  also  said  to  be  of  great  service  (5). 
Iodine  with  sarsaparilla  (3)  is  a  preparation  which  I  have  known 
to  be  of  more  service  than  any  internal  medicines. 

A  dragging  of  the  hind  limbs  is  common  enough  in  the  dog  j 
though  often  called  palsy,  it  really  is,  in  most  cases,  of  a  rheumatic 
nature.  It  closely  resembles  chest-founder  in  all  its  symptoms, 
excepting  that  the  muscles  affected  are  situated  in  the  loins  and 
hips.  The  causes  and  treatment  are  the  same  as  those  for  kennel 
lameness. 


320  FEVERS    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


SMALL-POX. 

I  reproduce  Mr.  Youatt's  description  of  small-pox  in  dogs: 
In  1809,  there  was  observed,  at  the  Royal  Veterinary  School  at 
Lyons,  an  eruptive  malady  among  the  dogs,  to  which  they  gave  the 
name  of  small-pox.  It  appeared  to  be  propagated  from  dog  to  dog 
by  contagion.  It  was  not  difficult  of  cure ;  and  it  quickly  disap- 
peared when  no  other  remedies  than  mild  aperients  and  diaphoret- 
ics were  employed.  A  sheep  was  inoculated  from  one  of  these 
dogs.  There  was  a  slight  eruption  of  pustules  around  the  place 
of  inoculation,  but  nowhere  else ;  nor  was  there  the  least  fever. 
At  another  time,  also,  at  the  school  at  Lyons,  a  sheep  died  of  the 
regular  sheep-pox.  A  part  of  the  skin  was  fastened,  during  four 
and  twenty  hours,  on  a  healthy  sheep,  and  the  other  part  of  it  on 
a  dog,  both  of  them  being  in  apparent  good  health.  No  effect  waa 
produced  on  the  dog,  but  the  sheep  died  of  confluent  sheep-pox. 
The  essential  symptoms  of  small-pox  in  dogs  succeed  each  other  in 
the  following  order :  the  skin  of  the  belly,  the  groin,  and  the  in- 
side of  the  fore  arm  becomes  of  a  redder  color  than  in  its  natural 
state,  and  is  sprinkled  with  small  red  spots  irregularly  rounded. 
They  are  sometimes  isolated,  sometimes  clustered  together.  The 
Hear  approach  of  this  eruption  is  announced  by  an  increase  of 
fever. 

On  the  second  day,  the  spots  are  larger,  and  the  integument 
is  slightly  tumefied  at  the  center  of  each.  On  the  third  day,  the 
spots  are  generally  enlarged,  and  the  skin  is  still  more  prominent 
at  the  center.  On  the  fourth  day,  the  summit  of  the  tumor  is  yet 
more  prominent.  Towards  the  ends  of  that  day  the  redness  of 
the  center  begins  to  assume  a  somewhat  grey  color.  On  succeed 
ing  days,  the  pustules  take  on  their  peculiar  characteristic  appear- 
ance, and  cannot  be  confounded  with  any  other  eruption.  On  the 
summit,  is  a  white  circular  point,  corresponding  with  a  certain 
quantity  of  nearly  transparent  fluid  which  it  contains,  and  covered 
by  a  thin  and  transparent  pellicle.  This  fluid  becomes  less  and 
less  transparent,  until  it  acquires  the  color  and  consistence  of  pua. 


SMALL-POX.  321 

The  pustule,  during  its  serous  state,  is  of  a  rounded  form.  It  is 
flattened  when  the  fluid  acquires  a  purulent  character,  and  even 
slightly  depressed  towards  the  close  of  the  period  of  suppuration. 
The  desiccation  and  the  desquamation  occupy  an  exceedingly  vari- 
able length  of  time  ;  and  so,  indeed,  do  all  the  different  periods  of 
the  disease.  What  is  the  least  inconstant,  is  the  duration  of  the 
serous  eruption,  which  is  about  four  days,  if  it  has  been  dislinctly 
produced  and  guarded  from  all  friction.  If  the  general  character 
of  the  pustules  is  considered,  it  will  be  observed,  that  while  some 
of  them  are  in  a  state  of  serous  secretion,  others  will  only  have 
begun  to  appear.  The  eruption  terminates  when  desiccation  com- 
mences in  the  first  pustules ;  and,  if  some  red  spots  show  them- 
selves at  that  period  of  the  malady,  they  disappear  without  being 
followed  by  the  development  of  pustules.  They  are  a  species  of 
abortive  pustules.  After  the  desiccation,  the  skin  remains  covered 
by  brown  spots,  which,  by  degrees,  die  away.  There  remains  no 
trace  of  the  disease,  except  a  few  superficial  cicatrices  on  which 
the  hair  does  not  grow. 

The  causes  which  produce  the  greatest  variation  in  the  periods 
of  the  eruption  are,  the  age  of  the  dog,  and  the  temperature  of  the 
situation  and  of  the  season.  The  eruption  runs  through  its  differ- 
ent stages  with  much  more  rapidity  in  dogs  from  one  to  five 
months  old  than  in  those  of  more  advanced  age.  I  have  never 
seen  it  in  dogs  more  than  eighteen  months  old.  An  elevated  tern, 
perature  singularly  favors  the  eruption,  and  also  renders  it  conflu- 
ent and  of  a  serous  character.  A  cold  atmosphere  is  unfavorable 
to  the  eruption,  or  even  prevents  it  altogether.  Death  is  almost 
constantly  the  result  of  the  exposure  of  dogs,  having  small-pox, 
to  any  considerable  degree  of  cold.  A  moderate  temperature  is 
most  favorable  to  the  recovery  of  the  animal.  A  frequent  renewal 
or  change  of  air,  the  temperature  remaining  nearly  the  same,  is 
highly  favorable  to  the  patient,  consequently  close  boxes  or  ken- 
nels should  be  altogether  avoided.  I  have  often  observed  that  the 
perspiration  or  breath  of  dogs  laboring  under  variola,  emits  a  very 
unpleasant  odor.  This  smell  is  particularly  observed  at  the  com. 
mencement  of  the  desiccation  of  the  pustules,  and  when  the  am 


322  FEVERS   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 

mals  are  lying  upon  dry  straw.  The  friction  of  the  bed  against 
the  pustules  destroys  their  pellicles,  and  permits  the  purulent 
matter  to  escape ;  and  the  influence  of  this  purulent  mat- 
ter is  most  pernicious.  The  fever  is  increased,  as  also  the  un- 
pleasant smell  from  the  mouth,  and  generally  the  faeces.  In  this 
state  there  is  a  disposition  which  is  rapidly  developed  in  the  lungs, 
to  assume  the  character  of  pneumonia.  This  last  complication  is 
a  most  serious  one,  and  always  terminates  fatally. 


SYMPATHETIC   FEVER. 

This  term  is  applied  to  the  fever  which  comes  on  either  before 
or  after  some  severe  local  affection,  and  is,  as  it  were,  eclipsed  by 
it.  Thus  in  all  severe  inflammations  there  is  an  accompanying 
fever,  which  generally  shows  itself  before  the  exact  nature  of  the 
attack  is  made  manifest,  and  though  it  runs  high,  yet  it  has  no 
tendency  in  itself  to  produce  fatal  results,  subsiding,  as  a  matter 
of  course,  with  the  inflammation  which  attends  it.  The  same  oc- 
curs in  severe  injuries ;  but  here  also,  if  there  is  no  inflammation, 
there  is  no  fever ;  so  that  the  same  rule  applies  as  where  there  is 
an  external  cause. 


CHAPTER  IV. 
INFLAMMATIONS. 

DEFINITION  OF  INFLAMMATION. — SYMPTOMS  AND  TREATMENT  OF  BABIES, 
TETANUS,  AND  TURNSIDE. — INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYE,  EAR,  MOUTH, 
AND  NOSE. — LUNGS.— STOMACH. — BOWELS. — LIVER.— KIDNEYS,  BLAD- 
DER, AND  SKIN. 

DEFINITION    OF    INFLAMMATION. 

Inflammation  consists  in  a  retardation  of  the  flow  of  blood 
through  the  small  vessels ;  an  increased  action  of  the  large  ones  is 
required  to  overcome  it.  When  external  and  visible,  it  is  charac- 
terized by  increased  heat,  swelling,  pain,  and  redness ;  when  inter- 
nally, by  the  first  three,  the  last  not  being  discerned,  though  ex- 
isting. It  may  be  acute  when  coming  on  rapidly,  or  chronic  when 
slow,  and  without  very  active  symptoms.  In  the  acute  form  there 
is  always  an  increased  rapidity  of  the  pulse,  with  a  greater  reac- 
tion of  the  heart's  pulsations,  known  as  hardness  of  the  pulse.  In 
the  dog,  the  healthy  pulsations  are  from  90  to  100  to  the  minute. 
This  may  be  taken  as  the  standard  of  health.  The  arterial  pulse 
may  be  felt  OM  the  inside  of  the  arm  above  the  knee  ;  by  placing 
the  hand  against  the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  the  contractions  of 
the  heart  may  be  readily  felt.  In  different  breeds  there  is,  how- 
ever, considerable  variation  in  the  pulsations  of  the  heart. 


HYDROPHOBIA,    RABIES,    OR   MADNESS. 

This  disease  has  been  classed  among  the  inflammations.    The 
symptoms  are  chiefly  as  follows :   The  first  is  a  marked  change  of 
temper ;   the  naturally  cheerful  dog  becoming  waspish  and  mo- 
rose, and  the  bold  fondling  pet  retreating  from  his  master's  hand 
323 


324  INFLAMMATIONS. 

as  if  it  was  that  of  a  stranger.  On  the  other  hand,  the  shy  dog 
becomes  bold ;  in  almost  every  instance  there  is  a  total  change  of 
manner  for  several  days  before  the  absolute  outbreak  of  the  attack, 
which  is  indicated  by  a  kind  of  delirious  watching  of  imaginary 
objects,  the  dog  snapping  at  the  wall,  or  if  anything  comes  in  his 
way,  tearing  it  to  pieces  with  savage  fury.  "With  this  there  is 
constant  watchfulness,  and  sometimes  a  peculiarly  hollow  howl. 
At  other  times  no  sound  whatever  is  given,  the  case  being  then 
described  as  "  dumb  madness."  Fever  is  always  present,  but  it  is 
difficult  to  ascertain  to  what  extent  on  account  of  the  danger  of 
approaching  the  patient.  Urgent  thirst  accompanies  the  fever. 
Mr.  Grantley  Berkeley  strongly  maintains  that  no  dog  really  at- 
tacked with  rabies  will  touch  water,  and  that  the  presence  of 
thirst  is  a  clear  sign  of  the  absence  of  this  disease.  This  theory  is 
so  entirely  in  opposition  to  the  careful  accounts  given  by  all  those 
who  have  witnessed  the  disease,  when  it  had  unquestionably  been 
communicated  either  to  man  or  to  some  of  the  lower  animals,  that 
no  credence  need  be  given  it.  Mr.  Youatt  witnessed  more  cases 
of  rabies  than  perhaps  any  equally  good  observer,  and  he  strongly 
insists  upon  the  presence  of  thirst,  as  may  be  gathered  from  the 
concluding  portion  of  the  following  extract: 

"  Some  very  important  conclusions  may  be  drawn  from  the  ap- 
pearance and  character  of  the  urine.  The  clog,  at  particular  times 
when  he  is  more  than  usually  salacious,  may,  and  does  diligently 
search  the  urining  places ;  he  may  even  at  those  periods  be  seen  to 
lick  the  spot  which  another  animal  has  just  wetted.  If  a  peculiar 
eagerness  accompanies  this  strange  employment,  if  in  the  parlor, 
which  is  rarely  disgraced  by  this  evacuation,  every  corner  is  perse- 
vcringly  examined,  and  licked  with  unwearied  and  unceasing  indus- 
try, the  dog  cannot  be  too  carefully  watched  ;  there  is  great  dan- 
ger about  him  ;  he  may,  without  any  other  symptom,  be  pronoun- 
ced to  be  decidedly  rabid.  I  never  knew  a  single  mistake  about 
this.  Much  has  been  said  of  the  profuse  discharge  of  saliva  from 
the  mouth  of  the  rabid  dog.  It  is  an  undoubted  fact  that,  in  this 
disease,  all  the  glands  concerned  in  the  secretion  of  saliva  become 
increased  in  bulk  and  vascularity.  The  sublingual  glands  wear 


HYDROPHOBIA,    BABIES,    OB   MADNESS.  325 

an  evident  character  of  inflammation  ;  but  it  never  equals  the  in- 
creased discharge  that  accompanies  epilepsy  or  nausea.  The 
frothy  spume,  at  the  corners  of  the  mouth,  is  not  for  a  moment  to 
be  compared  with  that  which  is  evident  enough  in  both  of  these 
affsctions.  It  is  a  symptom  of  short  duration,  and  seldom  lasts 
longer  than  twelve  hours.  The  stories  that  are  told  of  the  mad 
dog,  covered  with  froth,  are  altogether  fabulous.  The  dog  recov- 
ering from,  or  attacked  by  a  fit  may  be  seen  in  this  state,  but  not 
the  rabid  dog.  Fits  are  often  mistaken  for  rabies,  and  hence  the 
delusion. 

"  The  increased  secretion  of  saliva  soon  passes  away.  It  lessens 
in  quantity  and  becomes  thick,  viscid,  adhesive,  and  glutinous.  It 
clings  to  the  corners  of  the  mouth,  and  probably  more  annoyingly 
so  to  the  membrane  of  the  fauces.  The  human  being  is  sadly 
distressed  by  it.  He  forces  it  out  with  the  greatest  violence,  or 
utters  the  falsely  supposed  bark  of  a  dog,  in  his  attempts  to  eject 
it  from  his  mouth.  This  symptom  occurs  in  the  human  being 
when  the  disease  is  fully  established,  or  at  a  late  period  of  it.  The 
dog  furiously  attempts  to  brush  away  the  secretion  with  his  paws. 
It  is  an  early  symptom  in  the  dog,  and  it.  can  scarcely  be  mistaken 
in  him.  When  he  is  fighting  with  his  paws  at  the  corners  of  his 
mouth,  let  no  one  suppose  that  a  bone  is  sticking  between  the 
poor  fellow's  teeth ;  nor  should  any  useless  and  dangerous  effort 
be  made  to  relieve  him.  If  all  this  uneasiness  arose  from  a  bone 
in  the  mouth,  the  mouth  would  continue  permanently^  open,  instead 
of  closing  when  the  animal  for  a  moment  discontinues  his  efforts. 
If  after  a  while  he  loses  his  balance  and  tumbles  over,  there  can 
b3  no  longer  any  mistake.  It  is  the  saliva  becoming  more  and 
more  glutinous,  irritating  the  fauces  and  threatening  suffocation. 
To  this  naturally  and  rapidly  succeeds  an  insatiable  thirst 
The  dog  that  still  has  full  power  over  the  muscles  of  his  jaws  con- 
tinues to  lap.  He  knows  not  when  to  cease,  and  the  poor  fellow 
whose  jaw  and  tongue  are  paralyzed,  plunges  his  muzzle  into  the 
water-dish  to  his  very  eyes,  in  order  that  he  may  get  one  drop  of 
water  into  the  back  part  of  his  mouth  to  moisten  and  to  cool  his  dry 
and  parched  fauces.  Hence,  instead  of  this  disease  being  always 


326  INFLAMMATIONS. 

characterized  by  the  dread  of  water  in  the  dog,  it  is  marked  by  a 
thirst  often  perfectly  unquenchable.  Twenty  years  ago,  this  asser- 
tion would  have  been  peremptorily  denied.  Even  at  the  present 
day  we  occasionally  meet  with  those  who  ought  to  know  better, 
and  who  will  not  believe  that  tlic  dog  which  fairly,  or  perhaps 
eagerly,  drinks,  can  be  rabid." 

My  own  experience  fully  confirms  the  above  account,  having 
seen,  as  I  have,  seven  cases  of  genuine  rabies,  in  all  of  which  thirst 
was  present  in  a  greater  or  less  degree ;  in  five  of  the  cases  the  dis- 
ease was  communicated  to  other  dogs.  If  the  rabid  dog  is  not 
molested  he  will  seldom  attack  any  living  object ;  but  the  slightest 
obstruction  in  his  path  is  sufficient  to  rouse  his  fury,  he  then  bites 
savagely,  and  in  the  most  unreasoning  manner,  wholly  regardless 
of  the  consequences.  The  gait,  when  at  liberty,  is  a  long  trot  in  a 
straight  line. 

The  average  time  of  the  occurrence  of  rabies  after  the  bite  is,  in 
the  dog,  from  three  weeks  to  six  months,  or  possibly  even  longer ; 
a  suspected  case  therefore  requires  careful  watching  for  at  least 
that  time ;  after  three  months,  the  animal  supposed  to  have  been 
bitten  may  bs  considered  tolerably  safe,  if  no  unfavorable  symp- 
toms have  in  the  meantime  shown  themselves.  The  duration  of 
the  disease  is  about  four  or  five  days,  but  I  have  myself  known  a 
case  to  be  fatal  hi  forty-eight  hours.  No  remedy  having  yet  been 
discovered  for  rabies,  nothing  remains  but  to  kill  the  dog  suffer- 
ing therefrom. 


TETANUS. 

Resembling  rabies  in  some  degree,  tetanus  differs  from  it  in  the 
absence  of  any  affection  of  the  brain,  the  senses  remaining  perfect 
to  the  last.  It  is  not  common  with  the  dog.  It  is  generally  pro- 
duced by  a  severe  injury,  and  shows  itself  in  the  form  known  as 
"lock-jaw."  It  consists  in  spasmodic  rigidity  of  certain  muscles, 
alternating  with  relaxation.  The  stiffness  continues  for  some  length 
of  time,  not  appearing  and  disappearing  as  quickly  as  in  cramp* 


TTJENSIDE.  327 

If  the  tetanic  spasm  affects  the  muscles  of  the  jaw,  the  state  is 
called  "  lock-jaw."  When  it  seizes  on  all  muscles  of  the  back,  the 
body  is  drawn  into  a  bow,  the  head  being  brought  in  close  prox- 
imity to  the  tail.  Sometimes  the  contraction  is  of  one  side  only, 
and  at  others  of  the  muscles  of  the  belly,  producing  a  bow  in  the 
opposite  direction  to  that  alluded  to  above.  These  various  condi- 
tions exactly  resemble  the  contractions  produced  by  the  poison  of 
strychnine.  When,  therefore,  they  occur,  as  the  disease  is  extremely 
rare,  it  is  fair  to  suspect  that  poison  has  been  used.  Nevertheless, 
it  should  be  known  that  they  were  witnessed  long  before  this  poi- 
son was  in  use ;  and,  therefore,  they  may  arise  independently  of  it. 
The  successful  treatment  of  tetanus  is  hopeless,  if  the  case  i? 
clearly  established.  Purgatives  and  bleeding  may  be  tried,  foL 
lowed  by  chloroform,  which  will  always  relieve  the  spasm  for  the 
time  ;  but,  as  it  returns  soon  after  the  withdrawal  of  the  remedy, 
no  permanent  good  is  likely  to  accrue  from  its  use.  Except  in  the 
case  of  highly  valued  dogs,  I  should  never  advise  any  remedies  be- 
ing tried ;  the  humane  course  is  to  at  once  put  the  poor  animal  out 
of  misery,  the  spasms  being  evidently  of  the  most  painful  nature. 


TURNSIDE. 

Turnside  is  more  frequently  seen  in  the  dog  than  tetanus,  stilj 
it  is  by  no  means  common.  It  consists  in  some  obscure  affection, 
of  the  brain,  resembling  the  "  gid  "  of  sheep,  and  probably  result* 
from  the  same  cause.  The  dog  has  no  fits,  but  keeps  continually 
turning  round  and  round,  until  death  ensues  from  exhaustion. 
Tetanus  is  more  commonly  met  with  in  high-bred  puppies,  whose 
constitutions  are  delicate;  I  have  known  a  whole  litter  carried  off, 
one  after  the  other  by  the  malady.  No  remedy  to  my  knowledge 
is  of  any  avail ;  bleeding,  blistering,  and  purgatives  are  said  to 
have  restored  some  few  cases.  The  seton,  also,  has  been  recom- 
mended, and  is,  in  my  opinion,  more  likely  than  any  other  remedy 


328  INFLAMMATIONS. 

to  produce  a  cure,  care  being  taken  to  maintain  and  support  the 
strength  of  the  animal  against  the  lowering  effects  of  this  remedy, 


INFLAMMATIONS  OF  THE  EYE. 

Ophthalmia,  or  simple  inflammation  of  the  eyes,  is  very  com- 
mon in  dogs,  especially  during  the  latter  stages  of  distemper,  when 
the  condition  of  this  organ  is  often  seemingly,  though  not  really, 
hopeless.  On  more  than  one  occasion  I  have  saved  puppies  from 
a  watery  grave,  whose  eyes  were  said  to  be  beyond  cure.  Apply- 
ing no  remedy  locally,  but  simply  attending  to  the  general  health 
of  the  dog,  I  have  secured  the  recovery  of  the  affected  eye  to  its 
normal  condition.  The  indications  are,  an  unnatural  bluish  red- 
ness of  "the  white  "of  the  eye,  together  with  a  film  over  the 
transparent  part,  which  may  or  may  not  show  red  vessels  spread- 
ing over  it.  There  is  great  intolerance  of  light,  with  a  constant 
•watering.  If  the  eye  be  opened  by  force,  the  dog  most  strenuously 
resists,  giving  evidence  of  pain  from  exposure  to  the  rays  of  the 
sun.  This  state  resembles  the  "  strumous  ophthalmia  "  of  children, 
and  may  be  treated  in  the  same  way,  by  tue  internal  use  of  tonics, 
the  pills  (62)  being  especially  serviceable.  In  the  ordinary  ophthal- 
mia, the  '*  white"  of  the  eye  is  of  a  brighter  red,  and  the  lids  are 
more  swollen,  while  the  discharge  is  thicker,  and  the  intolerance  of 
light  is  not  so  great.  The  treatment  here  which  is  most  likely  to 
be  of  service  is  of  the  ordinary  lowering  kind,  exactly  the  reverse 
of  that  indicated  above.  Purgatives,  low  diet,  and  sometimes 
bleeding,  will  be  required,  together  with  local  washes,  such  as  (55) 
or  (56).  If  the  eyes  still  remain  covered  with  a  film,  a  seton  maj 
be  inserted  in  the  back  of  the  neck  with  advantage,  and  kept  operv 
for  two  or  three  months. 

Cataract  may  be  known  by  a  whiteness,  more  or  less  marked  in 
the  pupil,  and  evidently  beneath  the  surface  of  the  eye,  the  disease 
consisting  in  an  opacity  of  the  lens,  which  is  situated  behind  the 
pupil.  It  may  occur  from  a  blow,  or  from  inflammation,  or  result 
from  hereditary  tendency.  No  treatment  is  of  avail. 


CANKER,  OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THB  EAR. 

In  ainaurosis  the  eye  looks  clear,  and  there  is  no  inflammation ; 
the  nerve  however  is  destroyed,  and  there  is  partial  or  total  blind 
ness.  It  may  be  known  by  the  great  size  of  the  pupil. 


CANKER,  OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EAR. 

Many  dogs,  especially  of  sporting  breeds,  contract  an  inflamma- 
tion of  the  membrane  or  skin  lining  of  the  ear,  from  high  feeding 
generally,  and  exposure  to  the  weather.  This  causes  irritation, 
and  the  dog  shakes  his  head  continually.  This,  together  with  the 
tendency  to  spread  externally,  causes  an  ulceration  of  the  tips  of 
the  ears  of  those  clogs,  such  as  the  hound,  pointer,  setter,  spaniel, 
etc.,  which  have  these  organs  long  and  pendulous.  Hence,  the 
superficial  observer  is  apt  to  confine  his  observations  to  this  exter- 
nal ulceration,  and  I  have  even  known  the  tips  of  the  ears  cut  off 
in  the  hope  of  getting  rid  of  the  mischief.  This  heroic  treatment, 
however,  only  aggravated  the  malady,  because,  while  the  incessant 
shaking  caused  the  wound  to  extent,  the  internal  inflammation 
was  not  in  the  slightest  degree  relieved.  The  pointer  is  specially 
liable  to  "  canker,"  as  shown  at  the  tips  of  the  ears,  inasmuch  as 
there  is  little  hair  to  break  the  acuteness  of  the  "  smack  "  which  is 
given  in  the  shake  of  the  head.  Long-haired  dogs,  on  the  other 
hand,  are  quite  as  liable  to  the  real  disease,  as  shown  by  an  exami- 
nation of  the  internal  surface,  owing  however  to  the  protection 
afforded  by  the  hair,  the  pendulous  ear  is  less  ulcerated  or  in- 
flamed. Whenever,  therefore,  a  dog  is  seen  to  continually  shake 
his  head,  and  ineffectually  endeavor  to  rub  or  scratch  his  ear,  not 
being  able  to  succeed,  because  he  cannot  reach  the  interior,  an  ex- 
amination should  at  once  be  made  of  the  passage  leading  into  the 
head.  If  the  lining  be  red  and  inflamed,  there  is  clenr  evidence  of 
the  disease,  even  though  the  external  ear  be  altogether  free  from 
it.  On  the  other  hand,  the  mere  existence  of  an  ulceration  on  the 
tips  of  the  ears  is  no  absolute  proof  of  "  canker,"  inasmuch  as  it 
may  have  been  caused  by  the  briars  and  thorns  which  a  spaniel  or 


330  INFLAMMATIONS. 

hound  encounters  in  hunting  for  his  game.  Still  it  should  lead  to 
a  careful  inspection,  and,  if  it  continues  for  any  length  of  time,  it 
may  be  generally  concluded  that  there  is  an  internal  cause  for  it. 
The  treatment  should  in  every  case  be  chiefly  directed  to  the  inter- 
nal passage  ;  tho  cap  which  is  sometimes  ordered  to  be  applied  to 
the  head,  with  a  view  of  keeping  the  ears  quiet,  has  a  tendency  to 
i  .crease  the  internal  inflammation,  and  should  not  therefore  be  en>- 
ployed.  The  first  thing  to  be  done,  is  to  lower  the  system  by  pur- 
gatives (11),  (12),  (15),  or  (16),  with  low  diet,  including  no  animal 
food.  As  soon  as  this  has  produced  a  decided  effect,  the  nitrate  of 
silver  wash  (22),  the  ointment  (5Sa),  melted,  or  the  sulphate  of  zinc 
(20),  should  be  dropped  into  the  ear-passage,  changing  one  for  the 
other  every  second  or  third  day.  At  the  same  time  the  sores  on 
the  edges  of  the  ears  may  be  daily  touched  with  bluestone,  which 
will  dry  them  up.  In  slight  cases,  this  treatment  will  suffice  for  a 
cure,  if  carried  on  for  three  weeks  or  a  month.  In  long-standing 
attacks,  however,  a  seton  must  be  put  into  the  back  of  the  neck ; 
this  seldom  fails  to  afford  relief.  If  the  inflammation  in  the  exter- 
nal ear  has  been  so  great  as  to  produce  abscesses,  they  must  be 
slit  open  with  the  knife  to  the  very  lowest  point,  as  wherever  mat- 
ter is  confined  in  a  pouch  there  can  be  no  tendency  to  heal.  The 
dog  should  be  muz/led  and  the  head  held  firmly  on  a  table,  when- 
ever any  remedial  fluid  is  applied  internally  to  the  ear.  Deafness 
may  result  from  canker,  or  from  rheumatic  or  other  inflammation 
of  the  internal  ear.  As  no  treatment  is  likely  to  be  beneficial, 
there  is  no  necessity  for  enlarging  on  the  subject ;  the  only  remedy 
at  all  to  be  relied  on,  in  recent  cases,  is  the  seton  in  the  back  of  the 
neck. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  MOUTH  AND  TEETH. 

Dogs  fed  on  strongly  stimulating  food,  are  very  apt  to  lose  their 
teeth  by  decay,  and  also  to  suffer  from  a  spongy  state  of  the  gums» 
attended  with  a  collection  of  tartar  about  the  roots  of  the  teeth. 
Decayed  teeth  are  better  extracted,  but  the  tartar,  when  it  pro- 


OZ^ENA,  LARYNGITIS    AND  BRONCHOCELE.  331 

duces  inflammation,  may  be  removed  by  instruments.  By  care- 
fully scraping  the  teeth  there  is  little  or  no  difficulty  in  removing 
it  if  the  dog's  head  is  held  steadily.  If  the  animal  be  highly 
prized,  he  should  be  taken  to  a  veterinary  surgeon  for  the  opera- 
tion. Afterwards  brush  the  teeth  occasionally  with  a  lotion  com- 
posed of  1  part  of  a  solution  of  chlorinated  soda,  1  part  of  tinc- 
ture of  myrrh,  and  6  parts  of  water.  When  puppies  are  shedding 
their  milk  teeth,  frequent  soreness  in  the  mouth  prevents  them 
from  eating.  In  such  cases  the  old  teeth  are  better  removed  with 
a  pair  of  forceps. 

Blain  is  a  watery  swelling  beneath  the  tongue,  showing  itself  in 
several  large  vesicles  containing  straw-colored  lymph,  sometimes 
stained  with  blood.  The  treatment  consists  in  lancing  them,  after 
which,  the  lotion,  given  above,  may  be  effectually  applied  to  the 
sores. 


OZ^ENA. 

Ozaena  is  an  inflamed  condition  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
nose,  producing  an  offensive  discharge  from  the  nostrils.  This  is 
very  common  in  the  pug  dog,  and  also  more  or  less  in  toy  spaniels. 
There  is  little  to  be  done  in  the  way  of  treatment;  a  solution  of 
chloride  of  zinc  (2  grains  to  the  ounce  of  water),  may  be  thrown 
into  the  nostrils  with  a  syringe. 


LARYNGITIS  AND  BRONCHOCELE. 

Laryngitis  is  inflammation  of  the  top  of  the  wind-pipe,  where 
there  is  a  very  narrow  passage  for  the  air,  and  consequently  where 
a  slight  extra  contraction  caused  by  swelling  is  necessarily  fatal. 
When  acute,  it  is  very  dangerous,  and  characterized  by  quick 
laborious  breathing,  accompanied  with  a  snoring  kind  of  noise. 
There  is  also  a^  hoarse  and  evidently  painful  cough.  The  pulse  is 
quick  and  sharp,  attended  wtth  some  fever.  The  treatment  must 


332  INFLAMMATIONS. 

be  active,  or  it  will  be  of  no  avail.  Large  bleedings,  followed  by 
a  calomel  purge  (12),  and  the  fever  powder  (50),  will  be  necessary  ; 
but  no  time  should  be  lost  in  calling  in  skilful  aid,  if  the  dog's  life 
is  valued. 

Chronic  laryngitis  attacks  the  same  part,  comes  on  insidiously, 
and  manifests  itself  chiefly  in  a  hoarse  cough  and  stridulous  bark. 
It  is  best  treated  by  a  seton  in  the  throat,  together  with  low  diet 
and  the  alterative  pill  (1). 

Bronchocele  is  known  by  an  enlargement,  often  to  the  size  of  the 
fist,  of  the  thyroid  body  placed  on  each  side  of  the  wind  pipe.  If 
this  does  not  press  upon  the  air-passage,  there  is  no  inconvenience ; 
but  in  course  of  time  it  generally  does  this,  and  the  dog  becomes 
wheezy  and  short-winded.  It  is  chiefly  seen  in  house  pets,  and 
may  ,be  relieved  by  the  internal  use  of  iodine  (3),  given  for  weeks 
in  succession. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

The  organs  of  respiration  consist  of  an  external  serous  and  an 
internal  mucous  membrane,  united  together  by  cellular  tissue. 
Each  of  these  is  the  seat  of  a  peculiar  inflammation  (pleurisy, 
pneumonia,  and  bronchitis),  attended  by  different  symptoms  and 
requiring  a  variation  in  treatment.  There  is  likewise,  as  in  all 
other  inflammations,  an  acute  and  a  chronic  kind,  so  that  here  we 
have  six  different  inflammatory  disorders  of  the  organs  of  the 
chest,  besides  heart  disease  and  phthisis  or  consumption.  All  the 
acute  forms  are  attended  with  ssvere  sympathetic  fever,  and  quick 
pulse ;  but  the  character  of  the  latter  varies  a  good  deal.  The 
chronic  forms  have  also  some  slight  febrile  symptoms ;  but  gener- 
ally in  proportion  to  the  acuteriess  IF  the  amount  of  this  attendant 
or  sympathetic  fever.  As  these  three  forms  are  liable  to  be  easily 
mistaken  for  each  other,  I  place  the  symptoms  of  each  in  juxtapo- 
sition in  the  following  Table  : 


INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    LUNGS. 


333 


COMPARATIVE  TABLE  OF  SYMPTOMS. 


Acute  Pleurisy. 

Acute  Pneumonia.         Acute  Bronchitis. 

Early 
symp- 

Shivering,    with 
slight  spasms  of  the 

Strong    shivering,  i     Shivering,  soon  fol- 
but  no  spasms;  in-    lowed  by  continual 

toms. 

muscles  of  the  chest; 

spiration     to  erably    hard  couerh  :  insoira- 

inspiration  short  and 
unequal  in  its  depth, 
expiration    full,   air 

full,   expiration 
short,    air     expired 
perceptibly      hotter 

tion  and  expiration 
equally  full  ;  air  ex- 
pired warm,  but  not 

expired   not    hotter 

than    natural;    nos- 

so hot  as  in  pneu- 

than   usual  ;    cough 

trils    red    inside; 

monia  :   cou£rh  soon 

slight  and  dry  ;  pulse 

cough    violent    and    becomes  moist,  the 

quick,     small,     and 

sonorous,    with    ex-    mucus  expectorated 

wiry.                            i  pectoration  of  rusty    being  frothy,  scanty 

colored  mucus;|at   firs4;,    but   after- 

pulse     quick,     full, 

wards  profuse;  pulse 

and  soft. 

full  and  hard. 

Stetho- 

No    very    readily 

A  crackling  sound. 

The  sound  in  this 

scopic 

distinguishable    audible  in  tne  early 

form    varies     from 

sounds. 

sound.    A  practised  '  stage,    followed    by 
ear  discovers  a  fric-  ;  crepitating      wheez- 

that  of  soap  bubbles 
to     a     hissing     or 

tion   sound  or  rub- 

ing. 

wheezing  sound. 

bing. 

Percus- 

Produces at  first  no 

Dullness  after  the 

No  change. 

sion. 

result  different[from 

early  stage   is   pro- 

a   slate    of    health. 

duced  by  the  thick- 

After a  time,  when 

ening  of  the  tissue, 

serum  is  thrown  out, 

approaching  to  the 

there    is    increased 

substance    of   liver, 

dullness. 

hence  called  "  hepa- 

tization." 

Termina- 

The symptoms 

If   the   symptoms 

The  inflammation 

tion. 

either  gradually  dis- 

do   not    disappear, 

generally     subsides 

appear,  or  lymph  is 

there  is  a  solidifica- 

by  a   discharge    of 

thrown  out.  or  there 
is  an  effusion  of  se- 

tion of  the  lung,  by 
which  it  is  rendered 

mucus,     which    re- 
lieves the  inflamma- 

rum or  matter,  with 

impervious    to    air, 

tion  :  or  it  may  go  on 

a  frequently  fatal  re- 

and in  bad  cases  suf- 

to the  extent  of  caus- 

sult. 

focation  takes  place, 

ing    suffocation    by 

or  matter  is  formed, 

the  swelling  of  the 

producing  abscess. 

lining  membrane  fill- 

ing up  the  area  of 

the  tubes. 

Treat- 

Bleeding   in    the 

Bleeding    in     the 

No  bleeding  is  re- 

ment. 

early  stages,  in   de- 

early stages,  in 

quired.   In  the  early 

gree  according  to  the 
severity   of  the   at- 

amount according  to 
the  severity  of  the 

stage  give  an  emetic 
(44).      Follow     this 

tack.      Relieve    the 

attack.   Give  an  ape- 

up with  a  mild  ape- 

bowels by  (12)  or  (13). 

rient,    (12)    or    (13). 

rient,    (11)    or    (15). 

No  blistering,  which    Blisters  to  the  chest 
is   actually  prejudi-    of    service,    or    the 

Apply    the    embro- 
cation   (42;    to    the 

cial.    Try  the  fever    mustard  embroca- 

cheet,  and  give  the 

powder  (49)  or  (50), 

tion   i42».    Give  the 

cough  bolus  (46)  or 

and    if    not    active 

cough  bolus  '46)  or 

the     draught     (47). 

enough,  give  calomel 
and  opium,  of  each  1 

the  draught  (47  .    If 
the  inflammation  is 

Low  diet  in  the  early 
stages  ;  afterwards,  a 

grain,    in    a    pill,   3 
times  a  day.      Low 

very  high,  give  calo- 
mel and  opium,   of 

little  solid  food,  not 
meat,  may  be  given. 

diet  of  slops  only. 

each  1  grain,  digita- 

V 

lis,    i   gniin,   tartar 

emotic,  i  grain,  in  a 

pill,  3  times   daily. 

Low  diet  of  slops. 

334 


INFLAMMATIONS. 


COMPARATIVE   TABLE  OF   CHRONIC   SYMPTOMS. 


Chronic  Pleurisy. 

Chronic  Pneumonia. 

Chronic  Bronchitis. 

Early 
symp- 
toms. 

Inspiration  slower 
than     expiration; 
cough    dry  ;     pulse 

Respiration  quick 
and  painful;  cough 
troublesome  but  re- 

Respiration quick 
but  free;  cough  i.on- 
stant  and  severe,  but 

quicker  than   natu- 

strained; expectora- 

without pain;  pulse 

ral,  small  and  wiry. 

tion   trifling;    pulse 

scarcely  affected. 

quick  and  full. 

Termina- 

Either in  a  cure,  or 

If  not  ending  in  a 

Ends  in  a  cure,  or 

tion. 

else  there  is  an  effu-    cure,  there   is  great 

in     a     permanently 

sion  of  serum  into  |  difficulty  of  breath- 

chronic  state  of  in- 

the chest,  and  gen- 

ing,   often     ending 

flammation.     Or,  if 

erally  also  into  the 

in  suffocation.     The 

fatal,  there  is  suffo- 

belly    and      limbs, 
causing   suffocation 
by  pressure. 

animal  does  not  lie 
down,   but    sits    up 
on   his    hind    legs, 

cation  trom  effusion, 
hut  this  is  very  rare 
in  chronic  bronchi- 

supporting   himself 

tis. 

i  on  his  fore  legs. 

Treat- 
ment. 

The   same  as  for 
acute  pleurisy,   but 
milder    in     degree, 

Bleeding  will  sel- 
dom be  required. 
Give     the     calomel, 

Dispense  with  the 
emetic,  and  at  once 
try  the  cough  bolus 

and  the  diet  is  not    opium,    and     tartar 

(46).    In  very    mild 

required   to    be    so    emetic,  without  the 

cases,  give  ipecacu- 

strictly confined  to;  digitalis,  in    the 

anha    i   grain,  rhu- 

slops. 

doses    ordered     for 

barb  2  grains,  opium 

acute  pneumonia. 

$  grain,  in  a  pill,  3 

After   a   few    days, 

times  a  day.    Apply 

have  recourse  to  the 

the  mustard  embro- 

bolus  (46).       Diet 

cation     (43).      Milk 

nourishing,  but 

diet,   with   nourish- 

strictly confined   to 

ing  slops. 

farinaceous  articles. 

The  embrocation  is 

of  great  service. 

These  various  forms  constantly  run  into  one  another,  so  that  we 
rarely  find  pleurisy  without  some  degree  of  pneumonia,  or  pneu- 
monia without  bronchitis.  Still,  one  generally  predominates  over 
the  other,  and,  as  far  as  treatment  is  concerned,  the  malady  pre- 
dominating may  be  considered  as  distinct.  So,  also,  there  is  every 
shade  between  the  very  acute  form,  the  acute,  the  subacute,  the 
chronic,  and  the  permanently  chronic.  For  practical  purposes, 
however,  the  two  divisions  are  sufficient. 


SPASMODIC  ASTHMA. 

What  is  often  called  asthma  in  the  dog  is  nothing  more  than  a 
chronic  form  of  bronchitis,  very  common  among  petted  toy  dogs 


PBTHISIS,    OR    CONSUMPTION.  335 

or  house  dogs,  which  do  not  have  much  exercise.  The  symptoms 
and  treatment  are  detailed  under  the  head  of  Chronic  Bronchitis. 
There  is,  however,  a  form  of  true  asthma,  accompanied  with 
spasms,  among  the  same  kind  of  dogs,  the  symptoms  of  which  are 
much  more  urgent.  They  comprise  a  sudden  difficulty  in  breath- 
ing, so  severe  that  the  dog  manifestly  gasps  for  breath  ;  still  there 
is  no  evidence  of  inflammation.  This  malady  may  be  known  by  the 
suddenness  of  the  attack,  inflammation  being  comparatively  slow 
in  its  approach.  The  treatment  consists  in  the  administration  of 
an  emetic  (45),  followed  by  the  cough  bolus  (46),  or  the  draught 
(47).  If  the  spasms  are  very  severe,  a  full  dose  of  laudanum  and 
ether  must  be  given,  viz. — 1  drachm  of  laudanum,  and  30  drops  of 
the  ether,  in  water,  every  three  hours,  until  relief  is  afforded. 
The  mustard  embrocation  (42),  or  the  turpentine  liniment  (43), 
may  be  rubbed  on  the  chest  with  great  advantage. 


PHTHISIS,  OR  CONSUMPTION. 

Though  very  often  fatal  among  highly-bred  animals,  phthisis 
or  consumption  -has  not  been  noticed  by  writers  on  dog  dis- 
eases, neither  Blain,  Youatt,  nor  Mayhew  making  the  slightest 
allusion  to  it.  I  have,  however,  seen  so  many  cases  of  tubercular 
diseases  in  the  dog,  that  I  cannot  doubt  its  existence  as  an  ordinary 
affection.  Furthermore,  I  know  that  hundreds  of  canines  die 
every  year  from  it.  I  have  seen  the  tubercules  in  almost  every 
stage  of  softening,  and  I  have  known  scores  of  cases  in  which  a 
blood-vessel  has  given  way,  producing  the  condition  known  in 
the  human  being  as  spitting  of  blood. 

The  symptoms  of  consumption  are,  a  slow  insidious  cough,  with- 
out fever  in  the  early  stage,  followed  by  emaciation,  and  ending, 
after  some  months,  in  diarrhoea,  or  exhaustion  from  the  amount  of 
expectoration,  or  in  the  bursting  of  a  blood-vessel.  This  last  is 
generally,  the  termination  in  those  dogs  that  are  kept  for  use,  the 
work  to  which  they  are  subjected  leading  to  excessive  action  of 
the  heart,  which  is  likely  to  burst  the  vessel.  In  the  latter  stages 


836  INFLAMMATIONS. 

there  is  a  good  deal  of  constitutional  fever,  but  the  dog  rarely 
lives  long  enough  to  show  this  condition,  being  either  destroyed 
as  incurable,  or  dying  rapidly  from  loss  of  blood  or  diarrhoea. 
Treatment  is  of  little  avail.  Though  the  attack  maybe  postponed, 
the  disease  cannot  be  cured,  and  no  phthisical  animal  should  be 
bred  from.  Cod-liver  oil  is  of  just  as  much  service  as  in  the 
human  subject,  but,  as  before  remarked,  it  can  only  postpone  the 
fatal  result.  It  is  therefore  not  well  to  use  it  except  in  the  case 
of  house  pets.  The  dose  is  from  a  teaspoon  ful  to  a  tablespoonful 
three  times  a  day. 


GASTRITIS,  OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

This  affection  is,  like  all  others  of  the  same  kind,  either  acute  or 
chronic.  The  former  very  rarely  occurs  except  from  poison,  or 
highly  improper  food,  which  has  the  same  effect.  The  symptoms 
are  a  constant  and  evidently  painful  straining  to  vomit,  with  an  in- 
tense thirst,  dry  hot  nose,  quick  breathing,  and  an  attitude  which 
is  peculiar — the  animal  lying  extended  on  the  floor,  with  his  belly 
in  contact  with  the  ground,  and  in  the  intervals  of  retching  lick- 
ing anything  cold  within  reach.  The  treatment  consists  in  bleed- 
ing, if  the  attack  is  very  violent,  and  calomel  and  opium  pills,  of  a 
grain  each.  Thess  pills  are  to  be  given  every  four  hours,  to  be  fol- 
lowed with  two  drops  of  the  diluted  hydrocyanic  acid,  distilled  in 
a  small  quantity  of  water.  Thin  gruel  or  arrow-root  may  be  given 
occasionally  in  very  small  quantities,  but  until  the  vomiting  ceases, 
they  are  of  little  service.  If  poison  has  clearly  been  swallowed, 
the  appropriate  treatment  must  be  adopted. 

Chronic  gastritis  is  only  another  name  for  one  of  the  forms  of 
dyspepsia,  the  symptoms  and  treatment  of  which  are  given  else- 
where. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  of  the  diseases  to  which  sport- 
ing dogs  are  liable,  in  consequence  of  exposure  to  cold  and  wet 


INFAMMATION    OF   THE    LIVER.  337 

It  causes  congestion  of  the  liver,  whicli  runs  into  inflammation. 
Dogs  deprived  of  exercise  likewise  contract  it,  because  their  livers 
first  becoming  torpid,  the  bile  accumulates,  and  then,  in  order  to 
get  rid  of  it,  nature  establishes  an  action  which  ends  in  inflamma- 
tion. The  symptoms  are  a  yellow  condition  of  the  whites  of  the 
eye  and  of  the  skin  generally,  from  which  the  disease  is  commonly 
called  "  the  Yellows." 

Acute  hepatitis  comes  on  rapidly,  and  with  a  good  deal  of  fever, 
generally  manifesting  itself  on  the  day  following  a  long  exposure 
to  wet  and  cold.  The  dog  shivers ;  his  nose  is  hot.  His  breathing 
is  more  rapid  than  usual,  and  his  pulse  is  quick  and  weak.  The 
bowels  are  confined;  and  when  moved,  the  "motions"  are  clay- 
colored  or  slaty.  If  these  symptoms  are  not  immediately  attended 
to,  the  case  ends  fatally,  sickness  coming  on,  and  the  strength 
being  rapidly  exhausted.  The  treatment  should  be,  first,  a  consid- 
erable abstraction  of  blood  ;  then  give  the  bolus  (13) ;  and,  as  soon 
as  it  has  acted,  rub  the  embrocation  (42)  or  (43)  on  the  right  side, 
over  the  liver.  At  the  same  time,  give  calomel  and  opium  pills  of 
a  grain  each,  every  four  hours,  taking  care  to  keep  the  bowels  open 
by  the  bolus  (13),  or  by  castor  oil  (15).  As  soon  as  the  proper  color 
returns  to  the  motions,  the  calomel  may  be  entirely  or  partially 
discontinued,  small  doses  of  rhubarb  and  ipecacuanha  being  sub- 
stituted. An  emetic  (45)  in  the  early  stages  will  sometimes  act  like 
a  charm,  unloading  the  liver,  and  at  once  cutting  short  the  conges- 
tion. When,  however,  inflammation  has  actively  set  in,  it  is  worse 
than  useless,  inasmuch  as  it  aggravates  the  disease  tenfold. 

Chronic  hepatitis  is  caused  more  frequently  by  improper  food 
than  by  exposure,  and  is  very  different  in  its  symptoms  from  the 
acute  form.  Whenever  the  faeces  are  pale,  dark,  or  slate-colored, 
the  approach  of  this  disease  may  be  suspected,  and  appropriate 
treatment  should  be  commenced  forthwith  ;  but  it  is  not  until  the 
liver  is  perceptibly  enlarged,  and  the  dog  is  evidently  out  of  con- 
dition, that  it  is  generally  considered  to  be  established.  Then 
scarcely  any  remedies  will  be  of  much  service.  At  this  time  there 
is  frequently  not  only  a  hard  enlarged  state  of  the  liver— easily 
felt  through  and  below  the  ribs  on  the  right  side — but  also  a  yield' 

15 


338  INFLAMMATIONS. 

ing  watery  enlargement  of  the  belly,  from  a  collection  of  serous 
fluid,  which  is  thrown  out  in  consequence  of  the  pressure  on  the 
veins,  as  they  return  through  the  liver.  The  skin  is  "  hide-bound," 
the  hah*  dull  and  awry,  and  the  dog  looks  thin  and  wretched. 
The  treatment  consists  in  the  use  of  small  doses  of  mercury,  or 
podophyllin,  according  to  the  state  of  the  liver  (1)  or  (13) ;  or  some- 
times ipecacuanha  may  be  given  instead  of  the  mercury,  in  half- 
grain  closes.  It  requires  a  long  time,  however,  to  act,  and  will 
suffice  only  in  very  mild  cases.  The  red  iodide  of  mercury  mixed 
with  lard,  may  be  rubbed  into  the  side,  one  drachm  to  one  ounce 
of  the  lard,  or  the  embrocation  (42)  or  (43)  may  be  used  instead. 
Gentle  exercise  may  be  given  at  the  same  time,  and  mild  farinace- 
ous food,  with  a  small  quantity  of  weak  broth.  After  a  time,  as 
the  liver  begins  to  act,  shown  by  the  yellow  color  of  the  faeces,  the 
disease  relaxes,  and  the  mercury  may  be  dispensed  with.  As  a 
general  thing,  however,  considerable  time  elapses  before  the 
stomach  recovers  its  tone.  A  strong  decoction  of  dandelion  roots 
boiled  in  water  and  strained,  may  be  given  for  this  purpose,  the 
dose  being  half  a  teacupful,  administered  every  morning. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

Four  varieties  of  inflammation  of  the  bowels  are  met  with,  viz.:  1, 
acute  inflammation  of  the  peritonaeal  coat ;  2,  spasms  of  the  mus- 
cular coat,  attended  with  congestion  or  inflammation,  and  known 
as  colic  ;  3,  inflammation  of  the  mucous  coat,  attended  by  diarrhoea; 
and  4,  chronic  inflammation,  generally  followed  by  constipation. 
Acute  inflammation  of  the  peritonseal  coat  is  known  as  perito 
nitis  and  enteritis,  according  as  its  attacks  are  confined  to  the  mem- 
brane lining  the  general  cavity,  or  to  that  covering  the  intestines  ; 
but,  as  there  is  seldom  one  without  more  or  less  of  the  other,  there 
is  little  practical  use  in  the  distinction.  The  symptoms  are  very 
severe.  They  are  indicated  by  shivering,  feverishness,  cold  dry 
nose,  ears,  and  legs,  hot  breath,  and  anxious  expression — showing 
evidence  of  pain,  which  is  increased  on  pressing  the  bowels  with 


I 

INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    BOWELS.  339 

the  hand.  The  tail  is  kept  closely  against  the  body;  The  attitude 
is  peculiar  to  the  disease,  the  back  being  arched,  and  the  legs  drawn 
together.  The  bowels  are  costive,  and  the  urine  scanty  and  highly- 
colored.  There  is  likewise  thirst,  attended  with  loss  of  appetite. 
Sometimes  there  is  a  slight  vomiting  after  food.  The  disease  soon 
runs  on,  and,  if  not  relieved,  is  fatal  in  a  few  days.  To  treat  it, 
take  a  large  quantity  of  blood  ;  give  calomel  and  opium  in  grain 
doses  of  each,  every  three  or  four  hours.  Place  the  dog  in  a  warm 
bath  for  half  an  hour,  and,  after  drying  him,  rub  in  the  embroca- 
tion (43),  avoiding  pressure,  and  applying  it  rapidly,  but  lightly. 
After  twelve  hours,  the  bowels  may  be  moved  by  means  of  the 
castor  oil  (15) ;  or,  if  necessary,  by  the  strong  mixture  (16),  repeat- 
ing the  calomel  pills  until  the  tenderness  ceases.  Great  skill  is  re- 
quired in  adapting  the  remedies  to  the  disease,  and  a  veterinary 
surgeon  should  be  called  in,  whenever  the  dog  is  worth  the 
expense. 

Colic  is  a  frequent  complaint  among  dogs,  the  signs  being  in- 
tense pain,  aggravated  at  intervals  to  such  a  degree  as  to  cause  the 
patient  to  howl  most  loudly.  The  back  at  the  same  time  is  arched 
as  far  as  possible,  and  the  legs  are  drawn  together.  If  this  shows 
itself  suddenly  after  a  full  meal,  the  colic  may  at  once  be  surmised 
to  exist,  but  the  howl  at  first  is  not  very  loud,  the  dog  starting  up 
with  a  sharp  moan,  and  then  lying  down  again,  to  repeat  the  start 
and  moan  in  a  few  minutes  with  increased  intensity.  The  nose  is 
of  a  natural  appearance,  and  there  is  little  or  no  fever,  the  evidence 
of  pain  being  all  that  directs  the  attention  to  the  bowels.  The 
treatment  should  be  by  means  of  laudanum  (1  drachm)  and  ether 
(30  drops)  in  a  little  water  every  two  or  three  hours ;  or,  in  very 
bad  cases,  croton  oil  (1  drop)  may  be  given  in  a  pill  with  three 
grains  of  solid  opium  every  four  hours  until  the  pain  ceases.  The 
embrocation  (45)  may  also  be  rubbed  into  the  bowels,  either  at 
once,  or  after  a  very  hot  bath.  The  clyster  (17)  may  also  be  tried 
with  advantage,  and  sometimes  a  very  large  quantity  of  warm 
water  thrown  into  the  bowels  while  the  dog  is  in  the  warm  bath, 
will  afford  instant  relief.  Colic  sometimes  ends  in  intussusception, 
or  a  drawing  of  one  portion  of  the  bowel  into  the  other;  but  of 


340  INFLAMMATIONS. 

this  there  is  no  evidence  during  life.  If  there  were,  no  remedy  would 
avail  short  of  opening  the  belly  with  the  knife  and  drawing  out 
the  inverted  portion  with  the  hand.  Diarrhoea,  or  inflammation 
of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  bowels,  is  a  constant  visitor  to  the 
kennel.  The  symptoms  are  too  plain  to  need  description,  further 
than  to  remark  that  the  motions  may  be  merely  loose,  marking 
slight  irritation,  or  there  may  be  a  good  deal  of  mucus,  which  is  an 
evidence  of  great  irritation  of  the  membrane  ;  or,  again,  there  may 
be  shreds  or  lumps  of  a  white  substance  resembling  the  boiled 
white  of  an  egg,  in  which  case  the  inflammation  has  run  very  hi^h. 
Lastly,  blood  may  be  poured  out,  marking  either  ulceration  of  the 
bowels,  when  the  blood  is  bright  in  color,  or  an  oozing  from  the 
small  intestines,  when  it  is  of  a  pitchy  consistence  and  chocolate 
color.  The  treatment  varies.  If  there  is  reason  to  believe  that 
irritation  from  improper  food  exists,  a  dose  of  oil  (15)  will  clear  all 
away  and  nothing  more  is  needed.  In  slight  cases  of  mucous 
diarrhoea,  laudanum  may  be  added  to  a  small  dose  of  oil  (7).  If 
this  does  not  have  the  desired  effect,  try  (6),  (8),  or  (9).  Bleeding 
from  an  ulcerated  surface  or  from  the  small  intestines  seldom  oc- 
curs except  in  distemper,  and  can  rarely  be  restrained  when  severe. 
Relief  may  be  attempted  by  the  bolus  (18)  or  the  pill  (19),  but  the 
shock  to  the  system  is  generally  too  great  to  allow  of  perfect 
health  being  restored.  In  case  of  bleeding  from  the  large  intes- 
tines, the  chalk  mixture  (6),  together  with  the  bolus  (18),  will  often 
avail.  Rice  water  should  be  given  as  the  only  drink,  and  well- 
boiled  rice  flavored  with  milk  as  the  only  solid  food. 

Chronic  inflammation  with  constipation  is  very  liable  to  occur  in 
dogs  which  are  not  exercised,  and  are  fed  with  biscuit  or  meal 
without  vegetables.  The  treatment  of  habitual  constipation  should 
be  regular  exercise  and  green  vegetables  with  food.  Coarse  oat- 
meal will  generally  act  gently  on  the  bowels  of* the  dog,  and  a  cos- 
tive animal  may  be  fed  upon  porridge  with  great  advantage,  mixed 
with  wheat-flour  or  Indian  meal.  It  is  better  to  avoid  opening 
medicine  as  a  rule,  though  there  is  no  objection  to  an  occasional 
dose  of  a  mild  drug  like  castor  oil.  If  the  faeces  are  impacted, 
throw  up  warm  water  or  gruel  repeatedly,  until  they  are  softened, 


KIDNEY,    BLADDER,    AND   SKIN   DISEASES.  341 

at  the  same  time  giving  the  aperient  (12),  (15),  or  (16).  For  piles, 
give  every  morning  to  a  dog  of  average  size  as  much  brimstone  ai 
will  lie  on  a  quarter  of  a  dollar. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS  AND  BLADDER. 

The  former  of  these  affections,  which  may  be  known  by  a  great 
scantiness  of  urine,  and  evident  pain  in  the  loins,  is  not  very  com- 
mon in  the  dog,  but  it  does  occasionally  occur.  The  only  treat- 
ment likely  to  be  of  service,  is  the  administration  of  carbonate  of 
soda  (5  grs.),  with  30  drops  of  sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  in  a  litUe 
water  twice  a  day.  The  bladder,  and  the  urethra  leading  from  it 
for  the  passage  of  the  urine,  are  often  subject  to  a  mucous  inflam- 
mation characterized  by  pain  and  constant  irritation  in  passing 
water,  and  by  a  gradual  dropping  of  a  yellowish  discharge  from  the 
organ.  This  is  generally  the  result  of  cold,  and  may  be  treated  by 
giving  full  doses  of  nitre  (10  grs.),  with  Epsom  salts  (half  an  ounce), 
in  some  water  twice  a  week.  If  the  discharge  and  pain  are  very 
severe,  balsam  of  copaiba  may  be  administered,  the  best  form  being 
the  "  capsules  "  now  sold,  of  which  two  form  a  dose  for  an  aver- 
age-sized dog.  If  the  discharge  has  spread  to  the  exterior  of  the 
organ,  the  wash  (20)  will  be  of  service. 


SKIN  DISEASES. 

Nearly  all  skin  diseases  are  due  to  neglect  in  some  form.  In  the 
dog,  they  arise  either  from  improper  management,  as  in  the  case 
of  "  blotch,"  or  "  surfeit,"  or  from  the  presence  of  parasites,  as  in 
mange.  These  three  names  are  all  that  are  applied  to  skin  diseases 
in  the  dog,  though  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  they  vary  greatly, 
and  mange  itself  is  subdivided  by  different  writers  so  as  to  compre- 
hend several  varieties.  Fleas,  ticks,  etc.,  likewise  irritate  the  skin, 
and  all  will  therefore  be  included  here,  the  inflammation  produced 
by  them  being  entitled  to  be  considered  a  skin  disease  as  much 
as  mange  itself. 


342  INFLAMMATIONS. 

Blotch,  or  surfeit,  shows  itself  in  the  shape  of  scabby  lumps  of 
matted  hair,  on  the  back,  sides,  head,  and  quarters,  as  well  as  oc- 
casionally on  the  inside  of  the  thighs.  They  vary  in  size  from  a 
ten  cent  to  twenty-five  cent  piece,  are  irregularly  round  in  shape, 
and  after  about  three  or  four  days,  the  scab  and  hair  fall  off,  leav- 
ing the  skin  bare,  red,  and  slightly  inclined  to  discharge  a  thin 
serum.  The  disease  is  not  contagious,  and  evidently  arises  from 
gross  feeding  joined  very  frequently  with  want  of  exercise,  and 
often  brought  out  by  a  gallop  after  long  confinement  to  the  kennel. 
The  appropriate  treatment  is  to  remove  the  cause  by  giving  mild 
aperients  (11),  (13),  or  (14),  with  low  diet  and  regular  exercise,  by 
the  aid  of  which,  continued  for  some  little  time,  there  is  seldom 
any  difficulty  in  effecting  a  cure. 

An  eruption  between  the  toes,  similar  in  its  nature  and  cause  to 
"blotch,"  is  also  very  common,  showing  itself  chiefly  at  the  roots 
of  the  nails,  and  often  making  the  dog  quite  lame.  In  bad  cases, 
when  the  constitution  is  impaired  by  defective  kennel  arrange- 
ments, the  sores  become  very  foul,  and  are  very  difficult  to  heal. 
The  general  health  must  first  be  attended  to,  using  the  same  means 
as  in  "  blotch "  if  the  cause  is  the  same.  Touch  the  sores  with 
bluestone,  which  should  be  well  rubbed  into  the  roots  of  the 
nails.  When  the  health  is  much  impaired  and  the  sores  are  in  a 
foul  state,  give  from  five  to  eight  drops  of  liquor  arsenicalis  with 
each  meal,  which  should  be  of  good  nourishing  food.  This  must 
be  continued  for  weeks,  or  even  months  in  some  obstinate  cases. 
After  applying  the  bluestone,  it  is  often  well  to  rub  in  a  very  little 
tar-ointment ;  then  dust  all  over  with  powdered  brimstone. 

Foul  mange,  resembling  psoriasis  in  man,  is  an  unmanageable 
disease  of  the  blood,  requiring  a  complete  change  in  the  blood  be- 
fore a  cure  can  be  effected.  I  am  satisfied  that  it  is  hereditary, 
though  probably  not  contagious.  For  example,  I  have  seen  a 
bitch  apparently  cured  of  it,  and  with  a  perfectly  healthy  skin, 
produce  a  litter  of  whelps  all  of  which  broke  out  with  mange  at 
four  or  five  months  old,  though  scattered  in  various  parts  of  the 
country.  The  bitch  afterwards  revealed  the  impurity  of  her 
blood  by  again  becoming  the  subject  of  mange.  I  should  there- 


SKIN   DISEASES.  343 

fore  never  breed  from  either  a  dog  or  bitch  attacked  by  this  form 
of  eruption.  There  is  considerable  thickening  of  the  skin,  with 
an  offensive  discharge  from  the  surface,  chiefly  flowing  from  the 
cracks  and  ulcerations  under  the  scabs  on  it.  This  dries  and  falls 
off  in  scales,  taking  with  them  a  good  deal  of  the  hair,  which  is 
further  removed  by  the  constant  scratching  of  the  poor  dog,  who 
is  tormented  with  incessant  itching.  Generally  there  is  a  fat 
unwieldly  state  of  the  system  for  want  of  exercise,  but  the  appe- 
tite is  often  deficient.  Clear  the  bowels  with  a  brisk  aperient, 
such  as  (12)  or  (13).  Give  low  diet  without  flesh,  starving  the  dog 
until  he  is  ready  to  eat  potatoes  and  green  vegetables,  alternately 
with  oatmeal  porridge — in  moderate  quantities.  As  soon  as  the 
stomach  is  brought  down  to  this  kind  of  food,  but  not  before, 
begin  to  give  the  liquor  arsenicalis  with  the  food,  the  dose  being  a 
drop  to  each  four  pounds  in  weight  of  the  animal.  A  dog  of 
eight  pounds  weight,  for  example,  will  require  two  drops,  three 
times  daily ;  taking  care  to  divide  the  food  into  three  equal  por- 
tions, and  not  to  give  more  of  this  altogether  than  is  required  for 
the  purpose  of  health.  The  arsenic  must  be  administered  for 
weeks  or  even  months.  As  soon  as  the  itching  abates,  and  the 
health  is  improved,  the  mangy  parts  of  the  skin  may  be  slightly 
dressed  with  small  quantities  of  sulphur  and  pitch  ointments, 
mixed  in  equal  proportions.  In  two  or  three  months  the  blood 
becomes  purified,  the  eruption  disappears,  and  the  health  seems 
impaired,  a  stomachic  or  tonic,  (59)  or  (62),  will  often  be  required. 
Sometimes  the  ointment  (5Sa)  will  be  necessary. 

Virulent  mange,  similar  to  psora  and  porrigo  in  the  human  sub- 
ject, is  of  two  kinds,  one  attributable  to  a  parasitic  insect,  and  the 
other  of  vegetable  origin.  In  the  former  case,  which  is  its  most 
common  form,  it  appears  in  large,  unclean,  unkempt  kennels.  The 
disease  is  highly  contagious.  The  skin  is  dry  and  rough,  with 
cracks  and  creases,  from  some  of  which  there  is  a  thin  ichorous 
discharge  when  the  scabs  are  removed.  The  dog  feeds  well,  but 
from  want  of  sleep  is  languid  and  listless  ;  likewise  shows  thirst 
and  some  feverishness.  The  treatment  of  this  form  of  mange  is 
based  upon  a  belief  that  it  is  caused  by  an  insect  of  the  acarus 


344  INFLAMMATIONS. 

tribe,  which  has  been  detected  by  the  microscope  in  many  cases, 
but  which  by  some  people  is  maintained  to  be  an  accidental  effect, 
and  not  a  cause  of  mange.  However  this  may  be,  it  is  found  that 
remedies  which  are  destructive  to  insect  life,  are  by  far  the  most 
efficacious,  such  as  hellebore,  sulphur,  corrosive  sublimate,  tobacco, 
etc.  The  second  kind  of  virulent  mange  is  more  rare  than  that 
described  above,  and  still  more  difficult  of  cure,  the  vegetable  par- 
asite being  less  easily  destroyed  than  the  insect.  This  parasite  is 
supposed  to  be  of  the  nature  of  mould  or  fungus,  which  is  most 
obstinately  tenacious  of  life,  and  is  reproduced  again  and  again  in 
any  liquid  where  it  has  once  developed  its  germs.  In  outward 
appearance  this  variety  of  mange  differs  very  little  from  the  in- 
sect-produced form,  but  it  may  be  known  by  its  generally  attack- 
ing young  puppies,  while  the  other  appears  at  all  ages,  but  chiefly 
in  the  adult  animal.  The  hair  falls  off  in  both,  but  there  is  more 
scab  in  the  insect  mange,  probably  from  the  fact,  that  it  does  not 
produce  such  violent  itching,  and  therefore  the  scratching  is  not 
so  incessant.  The  treatment  is  nearly  the  same  in  both  cases,  being 
chiefly  with  external  remedies,  though  alteratives,  stomachics,  and 
tonics  are  often  required  from  the  loss  of  health  which  generally 
accompanies  the  disease.  In  all  cases,  therefore,  it  is  necessary  to 
attend  to  this,  giving  generally  a  mild  aperient  first,  such  as  (12)  or 
13),  and  subsequently  (2)  and  (3)  combined  together,  or  (1)  and  (59), 
according  to  circumstances.  At  the  same  time  one  of  the  following 
applications  may  be  tried  externally,  using  a  wire  or  leather  muz- 
zle so  that  the  dog  does  not  lick  off  the  ointments,  either  one  of 
them,  as  they  are  highly  poisonous  when  taken  into  the  stomach. 

Ointment  (or  dressing)  for  virulent  mange :  Green  iodide  of  mer- 
cury, 2  drachms.  Lard,  2  ounces.  Mix,  and  rub  as  much  as  can 
be  got  rid  of  in  this  way,  into  the  diseased  skin,  every  other  day, 
for  a  week ;  then  wait  a  week,  and  dress  again.  Take  care  to  leave 
no  superfluous  ointment.  A  milder  ointment :  Compound  sulphur 
ointment,  4  oz.  Spirits  of  turpentine,  1  ounce.  Mix,  and  rub  in 
every  other  day.  All  applications  should  be  rubbed  well  into  the 
roots  of  the  hair. 

Bed  mange  differs  materially  from  either  of  the  above  forms,  be- 


SKIN    DISEASES.  345 

ing  evidently  a  disease  of  the  bulb  which  produces  the  hair,  inas- 
much as  the  coloring  matter  of  the  hair  itself  is  altered.  It  first 
shows  itself  almost  invariably  at  the  elbows  and  inside  the  arms, 
then  on  the  front  and  inside  of  the  thighs,  next  on  the  buttocks, 
and  finally  on  the  back,  which  is  attacked  when  the  disease  has  ex- 
isted for  some  weeks  or  months.  The  general  health  does  not  ap- 
pear to  suffer,  and  the  skin  is  not  at  all  scabbed,  except  from  the 
effects  of  the  scratching,  which  is  very  frequent,  but  not  so  severe 
as  in  the  virulent  or  foul  mange.  Red  mange  is  probably  conta- 
gious, but  it  is  by  no  means  a  settled  question,  as  it  will  often  be 
seen  in  single  dogs  which  are  in  the  same  kennel  with,  otliers  free 
from  it  entirely.  Dogs  highly  fed,  and  allowed  to  ile  before  the 
fire,  are  most  subject  to  it,  while  the  poor  lialf-starvca  cur  becomes 
affected  with  the  foul  or  virulent  forms.  The  treatment  is  to 
lower  the  diet ;  give  aperients  (12)  to  (13).  Following  up  thesa 
with  the  addition  of  green  vegetables  to  the  food,  at  the  same  time 
asing  one  or  other  of  the  following  applications  every  other  day. 
In  obstinate  cases  arsenic  may  be  given  internally. 

Dressing  for  red  mange  : — Green  iodide  of  mercury,  1£  drachm; 
spirits  of  turpentine,  2  drachms ;  lard,  1^  ounce.  Rub  a  very  little 
of  this  well  into  the  roots  of  the  hair  every  other  day. 

Or,  use  carbolic  acid,  1  part ;  water,  30  parts.    Use  as  a  wash. 

Canker  of  the  ear  has  elsewhere  been  alluded  to  under  the  dis- 
eases of  that  organ. 

Irritative  inflammation  of  the  skin  is  produced  by  fleas,  lice,  and 
ticks,  which  are  readily  discovered  by  examining  the  roots  of  the 
hair.  Dog-fleas  resemble  those  of  the  human  subject.  The  lice 
infesting  the  animal  are  much  larger,  but  otherwise  similar  in  ap- 
pearance. Dog-ticks  may  easily  be  recognized  by  their  spider-like 
forms,  and  bloated  bodies,  the  claws  adhering  firmly  to  the  skin, 
BO  that  they  are  with  some  difficulty  removed.  These  last  are  of 
all  sizes,  from  that  of  an  average  pin's  head  to  the  dimensions  of  a 
ladybird.  They  suck  a  great  quantity  of  blood  when  numerous, 
and  impoverish  the  animal  to  a  terrible  extent,  partly  by  the  drain 
on  the  system,  and  partly  by  the  constant  irritation  which  they 
produce.  The  remedies  are  as  follows ; — 


346 


INFLAMMATIONS. 


To  remove  fleas  and  lice  :— 

Mix  soft  soap  with  as  much  carbonate  of  soda  as  will  make  it  into  a 
thick  paste  ;  rub  this  well  into  the  roots  of  the  hair  all  over  the  dog's 
body,  adding  a  little  hot  water,  so  as  to  enable  the  operator  to  completely 
saturate  the  skin  with  it.  Let  it  remain  on  for  half  an  hour,  then  put 
the  dog  into  a  warm  bath  for  ten  minutes,  letting  him  quietly  soak,  and 
now  and  then  ducking  his  head  under.  Lastly  wash  the  soap  completely 
out,  and  dry  before  the  fire,  or  at  exercise,  if  the  weather  is  not  too  cold. 
This,  after  two  or  three  repetitions,  will  completely  cleanse  the  foulest 
skin. 

Dry  remedies  for  lice  and  ticks  : — 

Break  up  the  lumps  of  some  white  precipitate,  then  with  a  hard  brush 
mb  it  well  into  the  roots  of  the  hair  over  the  whole  body.  Get  rid  of  the 
superfluous  powder  from  the  external  surface  of  the  coat  by  means  of 
light  brushing  or  rubbing  with  a  cloth.  Place  a  muzzle  on,  and  leave  the 
dog  with  the  powder  in  the  coat  for  five  or  six  hours.  Then  brush  all 
well  out,  reversing  the  hair  for  this  purpose,  and  the  ticks  and  lice  will 
all  be  found  dead.  A  repetition  at  the  expiration  of  a  week  will  be  ne- 
cessary, or  even  perhaps  a  third  time. 

Or,  use  the  Persian  Insect-destroying  Powder,  which  seems  to 
answer  well. 

Or,  the  following  wash  may  be  tried :  Acetic  acid  3£  ounces ; 
borax,  -J  drachm  ;  distilled  water,  4£  ounces.  Mix,  and  wash  into 
the  roots  of  the  hair. 


CHAPTER  V. 
DISEASES  ACCOMPANIED  BY  WANT  OF  POWER. 

\  >1OIIEA.  —  SHAKING     PALSY.  —  FITS. —  WORMS.  —  GENERAL     CROPS Y     OB 
ANASARCA. 

inflammation  is  attended  by  increased  action  of  the  heart  and 
aperies.  The  abo^e  class  of  diseases  is,  on  the  contrary,  accom- 
panied by  a  want  cf  tone  (atony)  in  these  organs,  as  well  as  by  an 
irritability  of  the  nervous  system.  None  of  them  require  lowering 
measures,  but,  tonics  and  generous  living  are  demanded,  I  have 
included  worms  in  the  classification,  because  these  parasites  pro- 
duce a  lowering  effect,  and  rarely  infest  to  any  extent  a  strong 
healthy  subject,  preferring  the  delicate  and  half  starved  puppy,  to 
the  full-grown  and  hardy  dog. 


CHOREA. 

Chorea,  or  St.  Vitus's  dance,  may  be  known  by  the  spasmodic 
twitches  which  accompany  it,  and  cease  during  sleep.  In  slight 
cases  the  spasm  is  a  mere  drop  of  the  head  and  shoulder,  or  some- 
times of  the  hind  quarter  only,  the  nods  in  the  former  case,  or  the 
backward  drop  in  the  latter,  giving  a  very  silly  and  weak  expres- 
sion to  the  animal.  Chorea  is  generally  a  consequence  of  dis- 
temper, so  that  it  is  unnecessary  to  describe  its  early  stages.  It 
rarely  destroys  life,  though  it  is  occasion  lly  accompanied  by  fits, 
and  the  sufferer  ultimately  dies,  apparently  from  exhaustion.  Of 
the  exact  nature  of  the  disease  we  know  nothing,  the  most  careful 
examination  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord  leading  to  no  decided  re- 
sult. In  the  treatment  it  is  desirable  to  ascertain  the  existence  of 
worms,  and  if  they  are  found,  no  remedy  will  be  likely  to  be  bene- 
ficial, so  long  as  they  are  allowed  to  continue  their  attacks.  If 
347 


348  ATONIC   DISEASES. 

they  are  only  suspected,  it  is  prudent  to  give  a  dose  of  the  most 
simple  worm-medicine,  such  as  the  areca  nut  (65).  If  this  brings 
away  only  one  or  two,  the  presence  of  others  may  be  predicated, 
and  a  persistence  in  the  proper  medicines  will  be  necessary,  until 
the  dog  is  supposed  to  be  cleansed  from  them.  Beyond  this,  the 
remedies  must  be  directed  to  improve  the  general  health,  and  at 
the  same  time  to  relieve  any  possible  congestion  of  the  brain  or 
spine,  by  the  insertion  of  a  seton  in  the  neck.  Fresh  country  ail 
is  very  beneficial.  If  good  nourishing  animal  food,  mixed  with  a 
proper  proportion  of  vegetables  does  not  avail,  recourse  may  be 
had  to  the  following  tonic,  which  is  often  of  the  greatest  service : 
Sulphate  of  zinc,  2  to  5  grains  ;  extract  of  gentian,  3  grains.  Mix, 
and  form  a  bolus.  To  be  given  three  times  a  day. 

Careful  attention  must  be  paid  to  the  state  of  the  bowels,  both 
constipation  and  looseness  being  prejudicial  to  the  health,  and  each 
requiring  the  appropriate  treatment.  Sometimes  the  tonic  pill  (62) 
will  do  wonders,  and  often  the  change  from  it  to  the  sulphate  of 
zinc  and  back  again  will  be  of  more  service  than  either  of  them 
continued  by  itself.  A  perseverance  in  these  methods,  with  the  aid 
of  the  shower-bath,  used  by  means  of  a  watering-pot  applied  to  the 
head  and  spine,  and  followed  by  moderate,  exercise,  will  some- 
times entirely  remove  the  disease.  In  the  majorityof  cases  a  slight 
drop  will  be  ever  afterwards  noticed,  and  in  sporting-dogs  the 
Strength  is  seldom  wholly  restored. 


SHAKING  PALSY. 


This  resembles  chorea  in  its  nature,  but  it  is  incessant,  except 
during  sleep,  and  attacks  the  whole  body.  The  same  remedies 
may  be  applied,  but  it  is  an  incurable  disease,  though  not  always 
destroying  life. 


FITS. 


Fits  are  of  three  kinds :  1st,  those  arising  from  irritation,  espe 
Cially  in  the  puppy,  and  known  as  convulsive  fits :  Sndly,  those 


FITS.  349 

connected  with  pressure  on  the  brain,  and  being  of  the  nature  of 
apoplexy ;  and,  3rdly,  epileptic  fits,  which  may  occur  at  all  ages, 
and  even  at  intervals,  through  the  whole  life  of  tlu  animal. 

Convulsive  fits  are  generally  produced  by  the  irritation  of  denti- 
tion, and  occur  chiefly  at  the  two  periods  when  the  teeth  are  cut, 
viz.,  during  the  first  month,  and  from  the  fifth  to  the  seventh  month 
They  come  on  suddenly,  the  puppy  lying  on  its  side,  and  being 
more  or  less  convulsad.  There  is  no  foaming  at  the  mouth,  and 
the  recovery  from  tliem  is  gradual,  in  both  these  points  differing 
from  epilepsy.  The  only  treatment  at  all  likely  to  be  of  service, 
is  the  use  of  the  hot-bath,  which  in  young  and  delicate  puppies 
may  sometimes  give  relief.  Fits  arising  in  distemper,  are  caused 
by  absolute  mischief  in  the  brain,  unless  they  occur  as  a  conse- 
quence of  worms,  which  being  removed,  the  fits  cease. 

In  apoplectic  fits  the  dcg  Ibs  insensible,  or  nearly  so ;  does  not 
foam  at  the  mouth,  but  snores  an:l  breathes  heavily.  Take  away 
blood  from  the  neck- vein,  afterwards  purging  by  means  of  croton 
oil,  and  inserting  a  seton  in  the  back  of  the  neck.  The  attack, 
however,  is  generally  fatal,  in  spite  of  the  most  scientific  treat- 
ment. 

Epilepsy  may  be  distinguished  by  the  blueness  of  the  lips  and 
gums,  and  by  the  constant  champing  of  the  jaw  and  frothing  at 
the  mouth.  The  fit  comes  on  without  any  notice,  frequently  in 
sporting  dogs  while  they  are  at  work,  a  hot  day  being  specially 
provocative  of  it.  In  the  pointer  and  setter,  the  fit  almost  always 
occurs  just  after  a  "point,"  the  excitement  of  which  appears  to  act 
upon  the  brain.  The  dog  falls  directly  the  birds  are  sprung,  after 
lying  struggling  for  a  few  minutes,  he  rises,  looking  wildly  about 
Mm,  and  then  sitting  or  lying  down  again  for  a  few  minutes,  is 
ready  to  renew  work  apparently  unconscious  that  anything  unu- 
sual has  occurred.  As  in  chorea  so  in  epilepsy,  nothing  is  known 
of  the  cause  and  the  treatment  is  therefore  guided  by  the  most  em- 
pirical principles.  Within  the  last  ten  years  bromide  of  potassium 
has  been  used  with  great  success  in  the  human  subject,  but 
although  I  have  recommended  its  use  in  many  cases  on  the  dog,  I 
cannot  bear  testimony  as  to  the  result.  The  dose  for  a  moderate. 


350  ATONIC    DISEASES. 

sized  animal  is  3  grs.  twice  a  day  in  a  pili,  continued  foi  a  month 
at  least. 


WORMS. 

Worms  are  a  fertile  source  of  disease  in  the  dog,  destroying 
every  year  more  puppies  than  does  distemper  itself ;  and,  in  spite 
of  every  precaution,  attacking  the  kennelled  hound  or  shooting  dog, 
as  well  as  the  pampered  house  pet  and  the  half-starved  cur.  In  old 
and  constantly  used  kennels,  they  are  particularly  rife,  and  I  believe 
that,  in  some  way,  their  ova  remain  from  year  to  year,  attached 
either  to  the  walls  or  to  the  benches.  All  of  the  varieties  met 
with  are  propagated  by  ova,  though  some,  as  the  Ascaris  lumbri- 
coides  are  also  viviparous,  so  that  the  destruction  of  the  worms 
actually  existing  at  the  time  the  vermifuge  is  given  does  not  neces- 
sarily imply  the  after  clearance  of  the  animal.  He  may  be  infest- 
ed with  them  as  badly  as  before,  from  the  hatching  of  the  eggs 
left  behind.  Besides  the  intestinal  worms,  there  are  also  others 
met  with  in  the  dog,  including  the  large  kidney  worm,  and  the 
hydatid,  which  is  in  all  probability  the  cause  of  turnside.  I  shall, 
therefore,  first  describe  the  appearance  of  each  kind  of  worm ; 
then  the  symptoms  of  worms  in  general;  and,  lastly,  the  best 
means  for  their  expulsion. 

The  Maw-worm  is  much  larger  than  its  representative  in  the 
human  subject,  which  is  a  mere  thread,  and  is  hence  called  the 
"  thread-worm  "  In  the  dog  it  is  about  an  inch  in  length,  having 
a  milky  white  color.  Maws-worms  exist  in  great  numbers  in  the 
dog,  chiefly  occupying  the  large  intestines.  They  do  not  injure 
the  health  to  any  great  degree,  unless  they  exist  in  very  large  num- 
bers. They  are  male  and  female,  and  are  propagated  by  ova. 

The  Round-worm  is  from  four  to  seven  inches  long,  round, 
firm,  and  of  a  pale  pink  color.  The  two  extremities  are  exactly 
alike,  and  are  slightly  flattened  in  one  direction  at  the  point.  See 
engraving.  Figure  47  shows  a  group  of  three  round  worms  as 
actually  discharged  from  the  intestine  of  a  dog  in  which  they 
were  thus  knotted.  I  have  often  seen  from  six  to  a  dozen  round 


WORMS. 


351 


worms  thus  collected  together,  so  as  when  discharged  to  form  a 
solid  mass  as  large  as  an  egg.  Like  the  last  species,  they  are  pro- 
pagated  by  ova,  but  sometimes  these  are  hatched  in  the  body  of 
the  parent,  so  that  a  large  worm  may  be  seen,  full  of  small  ones. 
This  species  occasions  much  more  inconvenience  than  the  maw- 
worm,  but  still  far  less  than  the  tape-worm. 

Tape-worms  in  the  dog  are  of  five  kinds,  of  which  the  Tamfa 
solium  and  Bothriocephalus  latus  are  common  to  man  and  the  dog. 
The  other  kinds  are  not  readily  distinguished  from  these  two,  and 


Fig.  47.— MAW-WOBM. 

all  are  now  said  to  be  developed  from  the  hydatid  forms  found  in 
the  livers  of  sheep,  rabbits,  etc.  The  peculiarity  in  the  bothrioce- 
phalus  consists  in  the  shape  of  the  head,  which  has  two  latera? 
longitudinal  grooves,  while  that  of  the  true  tasnia  is  hemispherical 
Professor  Owen  says :  "  The  Tania  solium  (Fig.  48)  is  several  feet 
long.  The  breadth  varies  from  one-fourth  of  a  line  at  its  anteiior 
part  to  three  or  four  lines  towards  the  posterior  part  of  the  body, 
which  then  again  diminishes.  The  head  (fig.  49)  is  small,  and 
generally  hemispherical,  broader  than  long,  and  often  as  truncated 
anteriorly ;  the  four  mouths,  or  oscula,  are  situated  on  the  anterior 
surface,  and  surround  the  central  rostellum,  which  is  very  shorty 


352 


ATONIC   DISEASES. 


terminated  by  a  minute  apical  papilla,  and  surrounded  by  a  double 
circle  of  small  recurved  hooks.  The  segments  of  the  neck,  or 
anterior  part  of  the  body,  are  represented  by  transverse  rugae,  the 
marginal  angles  of  which  scarcely  project  beyond  the  lateral  line. 
The  succeeding  segments  are  subquadrate,  their  length  scarcely 


Fig   49. — HEAD    02 

TAPB-WOBM. 


48.— TAPE-WORM. 


exceeding  their  breadth.  They  then  become  sensibly  longer,  nar- 
rower anteriorly,  thicker  and  broader  at  the  posterior  margin, 
which  slightly  overlaps  the  succeeding  joint.  The  last  series  of 
segments  are  sometimes  twice  or  three  times  as  long  as  they  are 
broadw  The  generative  orifices  are  placed  near  the  middle  of  one 
,of  the  margins  of  each  joint,  and  generally  alternate. 


WORMS.  353 

The  Tania  soUum  is  androgynous ;  that  is  to  say,  it  produces  its 
ova  without  the  necessity  for  the  contact  of  two  individuals,  the 
male  and  female  organs  being  contained  in  each.  Professot 
Owen  further  describes  them :  '*  In  each  joint  of  this  worm  there  is 
a  large  branched  ovarium,  from  which  a  duct  is  continued  to  the 
lateral  opening.  The  ova  are  crowded  in  the  ovary,  and  in  those 
situated  on  the  posterior  segments  of  the  body  they  generally  pre- 
sent a  brownish  color,  which  renders  the  form  of  their  receptacle 
sufficiently  conspicuous.  In  segments  which  have  been  expelled 
separately,  we  have  observed  the  ovary  to  be  nearly  empty  ;  and 
ic  is  in  these  that  the  male  duct  and  gland  are  most  easily  per- 
ceived. For  this  purpose,  it  is  only  necessary  to  place  the  seg- 
ment between  two  slips  of  glass,  and  view  it  by  means  of  a  simple 
lens,  magnifying  from  20  to  30  diameters.  A  well  defined  line, 
more  slender  and  opaque  than  the  oviduct,  may  then  be  traced, 
extending  from  the  termination  of  the  oviduct,  at  the  lateral  open- 
ing, to  the  middle  of  the  joint,  and  inclined  in  a  curved  or  slightly 
wavy  line  to  near  the  middle  of  the  posterior  margin  of  the  seg 
ment,  where  it  terminates  in  a  small  oval  vesicle.  This,  as  seen 
by  transmitted  light,  is  sub  transparent  in  the  center,  and  opaque 
at  the  circumference,  indicating  its  hollow  or  vesicular  structure. 
The  duct,  or  vas  deferens,  contains  a  grumous  secretion;  it 
is  slightly  dilated  just  before  its  termination.  In  this  species 
therefore,  the  ova  are  impregnated  on  their  passage  outward'* 
From  this  minute  description,  it  may  be  gathered  that  the  ova  are 
in  enormous  numbers,  each  section  of  the  worm  being  capable  of 
producing  them  to  an  almost  indefinite  extent ;  and  as  they  are 
passed  out  of  the  body  with  the  fasces,  it  is  not  surprising  that 
they  are  readily  communicated  from  one  dog  to  another,  as  is  al- 
most proved  to  be  the  case  from  the  fact  of  their  prevalence  in 
certain  kennels,  and  absence  from  others.  The  injury  caused  by 
these  worms  is  twofold,  viz.,  the  abstraction  of  nourishment, 
which  is  absorbed  by  the  worms,  and  the  irritation  produced  by 
then*  presence  in  the  intestines.  It  is,  therefore,  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance to  get  rid  of  so  troublesome  customers. 

The  Kidney- worm  (gigas],  Professor  Owens  says,  "inhabits  the 


354 


ATONIC   DISEASES. 


kidney  of  the  dog,  as  well  as  that  of  the  wolf,  otter,  raccoon,  glut 
ton,  horse,  and  bull,  (see  fig.  50).  It  is  generally  of  a  dark  blood- 
color,  which  seems  to  be  owing  to  the  nature  of  its  food,  which  is 
derived  from  the  vessels  of  the  kidney,  as,  when  suppuration  has 
taken  place  round  it,  the  worm  has  been 
found  of  a  whitish  hue.  In  the  human 
kidney  it  has  been  known  to  attain  tbe 
length  of  three  feet,  with  a  diameter  of 
half  an  inch.  The  head  («),  is  obtuse, 
the  mouth  orbicular  and  surrounded  by 
six  hemispherical  papilla  (A)  ;  the  body 
is  slightly  impressed  witli  a  circular 
striae,  and  with  two  longitudinal  impres- 
sions. The  tail  is  incurved  in  the  male 
and  terminated  by  a  dilated  point  or 
bursa  (B),  from  the  base  of  which  the 
single  intromittent  spiculum  (£>),  projects. 
In  the  female,  the  caudal  extremity  is 
less  attenuated  and  straighter,  with  the 
anus  (c),  a  little  below  the  apex."  I  have 
been  thus  particular  in  inserting  descrip- 
tions of  these  worms,  because  their  study 
is  becoming  more  general,  and  they  pre- 
sent a  large  field  for  the  microscopic 
inquirer. 

Indications  of  worms  in  the  dog 
should  be  carefully  noted  and  anxiously 
looked  for,  if  the  health  of  the  animal 
is  of  any  importance.  They  are,  an  un- 
healthy appearance  of  the  coat,  the 
Fig.  50.— KIDNEY-WORM,  hair  looking  dead  and  not  lying  smoothly 
and  evenly.  The  appetite  is  ravenous 

in  proportion  to  the  condition,  which  is  generally  low,  though 
worms  may  exist  for  months  without  interfering  much  with 
the  presence  of  fat.  After  a  time,  however,  the  fat  of  the 
body  is  absorbed,  and  the  muscles,  without  being  firm  and  promi 


•WORMS.  355 

dent,  are  marked  with  intervening  lines  from  its  absence.  The 
faeces  are  passed  frequently  and  in  small  quantities,  the  separate 
passage  of  a  small  quantity  of  mucus  each  time  being  particularly 
indicative  of  worms.  Tue  spirits  are  dull,  t^e  nose  hot  and  dry, 
and  the  breath  offensive.  These  signs  are  only  present  to  the  full 
extent  when  the  dog  is  troubled  with  tape-worm,  or  with  the 
round-worm  in  large  quantities ;  the  maw-worm  being  only 
slightly  injurious  in  comparison  with  the  others,  and  rarely  being 
attended  with  all  of  these  symptoms.  The  kidney-worm  has  no 
effect  upon  the  intestinal  secretions,  but  it  produces  bloody  urine, 
more  or  less  mixed  with  pus.  Still,  as  this  is  often  present  with- 
out the  worm,  it  is  impossible  to  predict  its  existence  during  life, 
with  any  degree  of  certainty.  When  worms  are  suspected,  in 
order  to  distinguish  the  species,  it  is  better  to  give  a  dose  of  calomel 
and  jalap  (16),  unless  the  dog  is  very  weakly,  when  the  areca  nut 
may  be  sustituted  (65).  Then,  by  watching  the  faeces,  the  particu- 
lar worm  may  be  detected  and  the  treatment  altered  accordingly. 

The  expulsion  of  the  worms  is  the  proper  method  of  treatment 
in  all  cases,  taking  care  afterwards  to  prevent  their  regeneration, 
by  strengthening  the  system,  and  by  occasional  doses  of  the  medi- 
cine suited  to  remove  the  worm  in  question.  All  vermifuges  act 
as  poison  to  the  worms  themselves,  or  as  mechanical  irritants ;  the 
former  including  the  bulk  of  these  medicines,  and  the  latter  pow- 
dered glass  and  tin  as  well  as  cowhage.  These  poisons  are  all  more 
or  less  injurious  to  the  dog,  and  in  spite  of  every  precaution  fatal 
results  will  occur  after  most  of  them ;  even  the  areca  nut,  innocent 
as  it  is  said  to  be,  has  occasionally  nearly  destroyed  valuable  dogs 
under  careful  superintendence. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  remedies  for  the  various  worms : — For 
round  and  maw-worms:  Betel  nut  (Nux  areca).  Stinking  helle- 
bore (Helleborus  fcstidus).  Indian  pink  (Spigelia  Marylandicd). 
Calomel  (Hydrargyri  chloridum).  Wormwood  (Artemisia  Absin- 
thium'). Santonine,  the  active  principle  of  wormseed  (Arte- 
misia contra\  Cowhage  (Mucuna  pruriens).  Powdered  tin  and 
glass. 

For  tape-worm:   Spirits   of  turpentine  (Spiritus  tereUnfliina) 


356  ATONIC    DISEASES. 

Kousso  (Brayeri  antTielminticd).    Pomegranate  bark  (Punica  Gra, 
natum).     Leaves  and  oil  of  male  fern  (Vilix  mas). 

The  areca  nut  was  first  recommended  as  a  vermifuge  by  Major 
Besant,  who  had  seen  it  used  in  India  for  that  purpose.  It  haa 
since  been  very  generally  adopted,  and  appears  to  answer  the  pur- 
pose remarkably  well.  It  should  be  given  every  week  or  ten  days, 
for  six  or  seven  times,  if  the  round- worm  is  present ;  two  or  three 
doses  occasionally  given  will  suffice  for  the  maw-worm.  Six  or 
eight  hours  afterwards,  a  dose  of  castor-oil  should  be  administered. 
The  dose  of  the  freshly  powdered  areca  nut  is  about  two  grains  to 
every  pound  of  the  dog's  weight.  Thus  a  dog  of  30  Ibs.  will  take 
one  drachm,  or  half  an  average  nut.  Stinking  hellebore  is  very 
innocent,  and  even  useful  in  other  ways.  The  dose  for  a  30-lb. 
dog  is  five  or  six  grains  mixed  up  with  eight  or  ten  of  jalap,  and 
formed  into  a  bolus,  to  be  given  every  five  or  six  days.  Indian 
pink  is  a  very  powerful  vermifuge ;  but  it  also  occasionally  acts 
very  prejudicially  on  the  dog,  and  it  must  never  be  given  without 
knowledge  of  the  risk  which  is  incurred.  I  have  myself  used  it 
in  numberless  instances  without  injury;  but  its  employment  has 
BO  frequently  been  followed  by  fatal  results  in  other  hands  that  I 
cannot  do  otherwise  than  caution  my  readers  against  it.  How,  or 
why,  this  has  been,  I  have  never  been  able  to  ascertain  ;  but,  that 
it  is  so,  I  have  no  doubt  whatever.  If  it  is  determined  to  use  it, 
half  an  ounce  of  the  drug,  as  purchased,  should  be  infused  in  half 
a  pint  of  boiling  water ;  and  of  this  infusion,  after  straining  it, 
from  a  tablespoonful  to  two  tablespoonfuls  should  be  given  to 
the  dog,  according  to  size,  followed  by  a  dose  of  oil.  Calomel  is 
a  powerful  expellant,  but  it  also  is  attended  with  danger.  The 
dose  is  from  three  to  five  grains,  mixed  with  jalap.  Wormwood 
may  be  given  with  advantage  to  young  puppies,  being  mild  in  its 
operation.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  in  syrup  or  honey. 
Santonine  is  an  admirable  remedy,  when  it  can  be  procured  in  a 
pure  state.  The  brown  is  the  best,  of  which  from  one  half  to 
three  grains  is  the  dose,  mixed  with  from  five  to  fifteen  grains  of 
jalap,  and  given  at  intervals  of  a  week.  Cowhage,  powdered  tin, 
and  glass,  all  act  by  their  mechanical  irritation,  and  may  be  given 


GENERAL    DROPSY.  35? 

without  the  slightest  fear.  The  first  should  be  mixed  with  molas- 
ses, and  a  teaspoonful  or  two  given  occasionally.  The  second  and 
third  are  better  mixed  with  butter,  the  dose  being  as  much  as  can 
be  heaped  upon  a  twenty-five  cent  piece.  Spirits  of  turpentine  is 
without  doubt  the  most  efficacious  of  all  worm  medicines;  but,  if 
not  given  with  care,  is  apt  to  upset  the  health  of  the  dog,  by  irritating 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  alimentary  canal,  and  of  the  kidneys 
also.  I  am  satisfied,  however,  that  it  is  not  necessary  to  give  it  in 
its  undiluted  form,  and  that  by  mixing  it  with  oil,  its  dangerous 
qualities  are  altogether  suppressed.  I  have  known  young  puppies, 
under  two  months  of  age,  cleared  of  worms  without  the  slightest  in- 
jury, by  giving  them  from  three  to  ten  drops,  according  to  their  size, 
in  a  teaspoonful  of  oil.  The  old  plan  was  to  tie  up  the  turpentine  hi 
a  piece  of  bladder,  which  is  then  to  be  given  as  a  bolus ;  but  this  is 
either  broken  in  the  throat,  causing  suffocation  by  getting  into  the 
windpipe,  or  it  is  dissolved  in  the  stomach,  which  is  then  irritated 
by  the  almost  caustic  nature  of  the  turpentine.  The  ordinary 
dose  given  in  this  way  is  from  half  a  drachm  to  half  an  ounce,  the 
latter  being  only  adapted  to  very  strong  and  full- sized  dogs. 
Certainly  it  is  very  useful  given  in  this  way,  if  it  does  not  irritate  ; 
but  I  should  prefer  the  mixture  with  oil,  though  it  is  sometimes 
rejected  from  the  stomach.  The  leaves  and  oil  of  the  male  fern 
are  both  very  efficacious  remedies,  when  obtained  in  a  state  of 
purity. 


GENERAL  DROPSY. 

General  Dropsy  consists,  in  serum  infiltrated  into  the  cellular 
membrane,  beneath  the  skin  of  the  whole  body,  as  shown  by 
swelling  without  redness,  and  "  pitting "  on  the  pressure  of  the 
finger  being  removed.  The  immediate  cause  is  to  be  looked  for 
either  in  general  debility,  by  which  the  serum  is  not  absorbed  in 
due  course,  or  from  defective  action  of  the  kidneys,  by  which  the 
blood  is  overcharged  with  it.  More  remotely,  improper  stimu- 
lants or  gross  food  will  produce  it,  especially  in  foul  and  dirty 
kennels,  and  in  old  and  worn-out  dogs  when  the  liver  is  deficient 


358  ATONIC    DISEASES. 

in  activity.  The  treatment  must  vary  with  the  cause,  and  it  is 
therefore  important  that  this  should  be  ascertained  at  once.  Thus, 
in  case  there  is  merely  general  debility,  tonics  (62)  or  (63)  will  be 
the  proper  remedies.  If  the  kidneys  are  in  fault,  but  merely 
torpid,  the  diuretic  bolus  (40)  or  (41)  may  be  relied  on  ;  while,  if 
they  have  been  inflamed,  the  treatment  proper  to  that  disease 
must  be  resorted  to.  Sometimes,  in  a  broken  down  constitution, 
when  the  urine  is  mixed  with  blood,  small  doses  of  cantharides 
may  be  found  beneficial,  as  advised  by  Mayhew ;  but  these  cases 
are  so  difficult  to  distinguish,  that  it  is  only  when  veterinary  aid 
cannot  be  obtained  that  I  should  advise  the  use  of  this  drug.  The 
dose  is  two  to  three  drops  in  water  twice  a  day;  Tincture  of 
Cantharides,  2  drops ;  Spirits  of  Nitric  Ether,  15  drcps ;  Water,  1 
OB.  Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench  twice  a  day. 


CHAPTER   VI. 

DISEASES  ARISING   FROM   MISMANAGEMENT    OR 
NEGLECT. 


—  RICKETS.  —  INDIGESTION. 

POVERTY    OF    BLOOD. 

When  puppies  are  reared  in  densely  populated  parts  of  cities,  or 
even  in  the  country  where  they  are  crowded  together  in  large 
numbers,  they  are  weakly  in  constitution  ;  their  blood  is  pale,  from 
being  deprived  of  the  red  particles  which  fresh  air  and  good  food, 
with  sunlight,  will  alone  produce.  The  feeding  has  a  good  deal  to 
do  with  this,  but  not  so  much  as  other  causes.  The  signs  are  clear 
enough,  the  young  clog  looking  emaciated  and  delicate,  and  his 
coat  staring,  while  his  lips  and  tongue  are  of  a  pale  pink,  as  if 
washed  out.  Worms  are  almost  always  present,  and  if  so  they  ag- 
gravate the  disease  tenfold.  Give  plenty  of  fresh  air,  in  the  coun- 
tiy  if  possible,  admitting  the  sun  on  all  occasions.  Administer 
good  nourishing  food,  composed  of  the  proper  proportion?  of  ani- 
mal and  vegetable  ingredients.  The  following  mixture  of  quinine 
and  steel  may  be  used  as  an  internal  medicine:  Sulphate  of  qui- 
nine ;  sulphate  of  iron,  of  each  1  grain  ;  extract  of  dandelion  3 
grains.  Mix,  and  give  three  times  a  day.  If  worms  are  present, 
they  must  of  course  be  got  rid  of. 


RICKETS   AND    ENLARGED    JOINTS. 

By  rickets  is  understood  a  soft  and  weak  condition  of  the  bones, 
in  which  the  lime  is  deficient ;  the  gelatine  comprising  their  frame- 
work having  no  proper  support,  they  bend  in  any  direction  which 
the  superincumbent  weight  may  give  them.    Hence  we  so  often 
359 


360  DISEASES   ARISING   FROM   NEGLECT. 

see  puppies  which  are  confined  to  their  kennels  with  bandy  legs. 
This  is  usually  the  first  sign  of  rickets.  Sometimes  the  shins 
bend  forward,  producing  what  is  called  the  "  buck-shin,"  but 
whether  the  legs  bow  outwards  or  forwards  the  cause  is  the  same. 
The  remedy  is  country  air,  exercise,  and  good  food  ;  quinine  and 
steel  pills,  ordered  for  poverty  of  blood,  will  also  prove  beneficial. 
Enlarged  joints  may  be  merely  a  sign  of  excessive  vigor  in  the 
formation  of  the  bone.  But  there  is  to  be  met  with  a  scrofulous 
enlargement  of  the  joints,  which  is  seldom  got  rid  of.  This 
scrofulous  enlargement  may  occur  in  the  knees,  hocks,  or  stifles, 
but  the  last-named  joints  are  usually  the  seats  of  the  disease. 
Sometimes  nature  rallies  and  throws  off  this  tendency  to  scrofula, 
but  more  frequently  the  joints  become  larger  and  larger,  the  lame- 
ness increases,  and,  in  most  cases  nothing  is  left  but  to  kill  the 
sulferer. 


/ 
INDIGESTION. 


Among  the  most  common  consequences  of  improper  feeding 
and  neglect  of  exercise  is  indigestion,  attended  by  its  usual  con- 
comitant, constipation.  If  moderate  starvation  does  not  soon 
restore  the  stomach,  care  must  be  taken  that  the  liver  is  acting 
properly,  the  faeces  being  watched  to  see  if  they  are  of  a  proper 
color;  if  they  are  not,  small  doses  of  calomel  or  blue  pill  will 
be  required :  (1),  (2),  or  13).  If,  on  the  contrary,  the  liver  acts 
properly,  yet  the  stomach  is  out  of  order,  recourse  may  be  had  to 
the  stomachic  bolus  (59),  or  to  the  draught  (60),  which  will  very 
seldom  fail,  if  aided  by  proper  management.  It  should,  however, 
never  be  forgotten  that  medicine  is  of  no  use,  unless,  at  the  same 
time,  the  diet  is  attended  to,  and  sufficient  exercise  given.  In 
cases  of  indigestion,  it  is  particularly  necessary  to  change  the  food 
every  third  or  fourth  day. 


CHAPTER    VII. 

DISEASES   AND    ACCIDENTS    REQUIRING    SURGICAI 

AID. 

TUMORS.— CANCER.— ENCYSTED  TUMORS. — ABSCESSES. — UNNATURAL    PAR* 
TURITION. — ACCIDENTS  AND  OPERATIONS. 

TUMORS. 

Bronchocele,  or  Goitre,  is  very  common  among  house  pets, 
showing  itself  in  a  large  and  rather  soft  swelling  in  the  front  O*. 
the  throat.  The  treatment  consists  in  rubbing  in  iodine  outward 
ly,  and,  if  this  fails,  giving  it  internally  also.  The  interna. 
remedy  may  be  according  to  the  formula  (3) ;  but,  if  the  expenss 
is  objected  to,  the  sarsaparilla  may  be  omitted.  The  ointment  is 
as  follows:  Iodide  of  potassium,  1  drachm  ;  Lard,  1  ounce.  Mix, 
and  rub  in  the  size  of  a  filbert,  night  and  morning. 


CANCEE. 

Cancer  is  a  malignant  disease,  that  is,  it  is  incapable  of  a  cure  by 
the  natural  powers,  and  must  be  eradicated  either  by  the  knife  or 
by  caustic.  It  is,  however,  very  doubtful  whether  by  their  means 
the  disease  is  checked  for  any  length  of  time,  and  does  not  return 
after  the  lapse  of  a  few  months.  The  knife  is  the  only  remedy, 
and  should  be  used  only  by  practised  hands.  When,  therefore,  a 
cancer  is  to  be  removed,  a  veterinary  surgeon  should  at  once  be 
called. 


ENCYSTED    TUMORS. 

Encysted    tumors    a."e    sacs    or    bags    of    various   sizes,  just 
beneath  the  skin,  containing  a  thick,  glairy,  and  transparent  fluid 
361  16 


362  DISEASES   AKISIXG   PROM   NEGLECT. 

resembling  the  white  of  an  egg.  They  are  readily  detected  by 
their  soft  yielding  feeling,  and  by  their  evident  want  of  connection 
with  the  surrounding  parts.  Nothing  but  the  knife  is  of  tho 
slightest  use.  By  cutting  through  them,  the  sac  may  readily  be 
torn  out,  each  half  at  a  time,  taking  care  not  to  leave  a  particle 
behind,  as  it  is  sure  to  grow  again  into  another  sac  of  the  same 
size  as  before. 


ABSCESSES. 

Abscesses,  the  result  of  inflammation,  are  very  common  in  the 
dog.  They  show  themselves  in  the  early  stage,  as  hard  pain- 
ful swellings  more  or  less  deep,  but  gradually  coining  to  the  sur- 
face, when  the  skin  reddens,  and  they  burst  in  the  course  of 
time.  Very  often,  however,  the  matter  forms  so  slowly,  and 
has  such  a  tendency  to  burrow  among  the  muscles,  that,  if  it  is 
let  out  by  the  knife  in  the  early  stage,  it  produces  great  exhaus- 
tion from  the  quantity  formed.  Matter  may  be  detected  as  soon 
as  it  is  thrown  out,  by  the  sensation  given  to  the  lingers  of  each 
hand  called  "  fluctuation."  That  is  to  say,  on  pressing  one  side  of 
the  swelling  with  the  left  hand,  the  other  side  rises  beneath  the 
fingers  of  the  right,  in  an  elastic  way,  just  as  happens  with  a  water- 
pillow,  when  pressure  is  made  upon  it.  When,  therefore,  this 
fluctuation  is  clearly  made  out,  a  lancet  or  knife  should  be  insert- 
ed, and  made  to  cut  its  way  out,  so  as  to  leave  a  considerable  open- 
ing, which  should  be  so  arranged  as  to  let  the  matter  drain  out  at 
ali  times.  This  is  what  in  surgery  is  called  a  "  depending  open- 
ing." 


UNNATURAL  PARTURITION. 

"When,  says  Mr.  Youatt,  the  time  of  parturition  arrives,  and  there 
is  evident  difficulty  in  producing  the  foetus,  recourse  should  be  had 
to  the  ergot  of  rye,  given  every  hour  or  half-hour,  according  to  cir- 
cumstances. If  after  a  certain  time,  some  progress,  however  little, 


PtJERPEEAL   FITS.  363 

has  been  made,  the  ergot  must  be  continued  in  smaller  doses,  or 
perhaps  suspended  for  a  while ;  but,  if  all  progress  is  evidently 
suspended,  recourse  must  be  had  to  tb.3  hook  or  the  forceps.  By 
gentle  but  continued  manipulation  much  may  be  done,  especially 
when  the  muzzle  of  the  puppy  can  be  brought  into  the  passage. 
Little  force  as  possible  must  be  used,  and  the  foetus  be  but 
little  broken.  Many  a  valuable  animal  is  destroyed  by  the  undue 
application  of  force.  If  the  animal  seems  to  be  losing  strength, 
a  small  quantity  of  laudanum  and  ether  may  be  administered. 
The  patience  of  bitches  in  labor  is  extreme,  says  Mr.  Elaine ;  and 
their  distress,  if  not  relieved,  is  most  striking  and  affecting.  Their 
look  at  such  times  is  particularly  expressive  and  apparently  im- 
ploring. When  the  pupping  is  protracted,  and  the  young  ones 
are  evidently  dead,  the  mother  may  be  saved,  if  none  of  the  pup- 
pies have  been  broken.  In  process  of  time  the  different  puppies 
may,  one  after  anothe*,  be  extracted ;  but  when  violence  has  been 
used  at  the  commencement,  or  alaiost  at  any  part  of  the  process, 
death  will  surely  follow. 


PUERPERAL  FITS. 

Nature  proportions  the  power  and  resources  of  the  mother  to 
the  wants  of  her  offspring.  In  her  wild  undomesticated  state  she 
is  able  to  suckle  her  progeny  to  the  full  time ;  but,  in  the  artificial 
state  in  which  we  have  placed  her,  we  shorten  the  interval  be- 
tween each  period  of  parturition,  we  increase  the  number  of  her 
young  ones  at  each  birth,  we  diminish  her  natural  powers  of 
affording  them  nutriment,  and  we  give  her  a  degree  of  irritability 
which  renders  her  whole  system  liable  to  be  excited  and  deranged 
by  causes  that  would  otherwise  be  harmless.  Fits  ultimately  follow. 
Place  the  sufferer  in  a  bath,  temperature  96°,  and  covet  her  with  the 
water,  her  head  excepted.  It  will  be  surprising  to  see  how  soon 
the  simple  application  of  this  equable  temperament  will  quiet 
down  the  erethism  of  the  excited  system.  In  ten  minutes,  or  a 
quarter  of  an  hour,  she  may  be  taken  out  of  the  bath  evidently 


364  DISEASES    ARISING    FROM   NEGLECT. 

relieved,  and  then,  a  hasty  and  not  very  accurate  drying  having 
taken  place,  she  is  wrapped  in  a  blanket  and  placed  in  some  warm 
situation,  a  good  dose  of  physic  having  been  previously  adminis- 
tered. She  soon  breaks  out  in  a  profuse  perspiration.  Everything 
becomes  gradually  quiet.  She  falls  into  a  deep  and  long  sleep, 
and  at  length  awakes  somewhat  weak,  but  to  a  certain  degree 
restored.  If,  then,  all  her  puppies  except  one  or  two  are  takea 
from  her,  and  her  food  is,  for  a  day  or  two,  somewhat  restricted, 
and  after  that  given  again  in  its  usual  quantity  and  kind,  she  will 
live  and  do  well.  Bleeding  at  the  time  of  her  fit,  or  suffering  all 
puppies  to  return  to  her,  will  inevitably  destroy  her. 


ACCIDENTS  AND  OPERATIONS. 

Guts,  tears,  and  bites,  unless  they  are  very  extensive,  and  there- 
fore likely  to  occupy  a  long  tune  in  healing,  are  better  left  to 
themselves,  the  dog's  tongue  being  the  best  healing  remedy.  But 
when  a  V-shaped  flap  is  torn  down,  or  a  very  long  and  straight 
cut  or  tear  is  accidentally  made,  a  few  stitches  should  be  put  in 
with  a  proper  curved  needle,  armed  with  strong  thread  or  silk. 
It  is  only  necessary  to  introduce  the  needle  in  two  places  on  ex- 
actly opposite  sides,  and  then,  an  assistant  drawing  the  skin  to- 
gether, the  ends  are  tied  in  a  common  knot,  and  cut  off  closely. 
When,  however,  this  plan  is  adopted,  a  muzzle  must  be  worn  as 
long  as  the  stitches  are  kept  in,  because  the  dog  never  rests  satis- 
fied until  he  has  licked  the  knots  open,  or  in  some  way  with  hia 
teeth  and  tongue  has  got  rid  of  them.  Wounds  in  the  dog  do  not 
heal  "by  the  first  intention,"  that  is,  in  three  or  four  days,  as  in 
man,  but  fill  up  by  what  is  called  granulation.  Of  course,  in  long 
wounds,  more  than  one  stitch  is  required,  but,  as  perfect  union  can 
never  be  effected  by  adhesion,  the  attempt  to  bring  the  edges  care- 
fully together  is  a  failure ;  and,  provided  that  anything  like  an  ap- 
proach to  this  is  effected,  all  is  done  which  can  be  desired  by  a  few 
stitches  at  short  distances.  A  bandage  may  be  added  afterwards 


ACCIDENTS    AND    OPERATIONS  365 

and  kept  on  for  three  days,  after  which  it  must  be  changed  daily, 
the  muzzle  still  being  kept  on.  When  the  red  granulations  rise 
above  the  level  of  the  skin  called  then  "  proud  flesh,"  a  piece  of 
bluestone  should  be  rubbed  on  them  daily,  or  often  enough  to  keep 
them  down  to  the  proper  level.  When  below  the  level  of  the  skin> 
they  never  require  caustic  of  any  kind. 

In  any  cuts  about  the  legs  or  feet,  the  parts  maybe  protected  by 
collodion  painted  on  rapidly  with  a  camel's-hair  brush,  and  allowed 
to  dry ;  but  a  very  little  friction  removes  it.  Canada  balsam,  spread 
on  white  leather  and  warmed,  will  keep  its  place  well  enough  to 
bear  the  rubs  of  a  course  in  the  greyhound,  and  is,  I  believe,  the 
best  application.  A  leathern  boot  may  be  made  to  fit  the  pointer's 
or  setter's  foot,  or,  indeed,  that  of  any  dog  which  requires  protec- 
tion, during  work. 

Fractures  may  recur  in  any  of  the  bones  of  the  dog,  but  except 
ing  in  the  legs  or  ribs,  little  relief  can  be  afforded  by  art.  They 
are  detected  by  the  deformity  which  is  seen  in  the  part,  an  angle 
being  presented  in  the  interval  between  two  joints,  when  occur- 
ring in  the  limb,  and  a  creptus  or  crackling  being  heard  and  felt 
on  handling  the  part.  When  the  ribs  have  been  broken,  the  in- 
jury is  easily  detected  by  the  depression  which  is  felt,  and  the 
grating  sound  often  produced  in  breathing.  In  this  case  a  flannel 
bandage  may  be  bound  tightly  round  the  chest.  The  dog,  after 
being  bled,  should  be  kept  quiet,  and  fed  on  low  diet.  A  horse- 
girth  passed  twice  or  thrice  round  and  buckled  answers  the  pur- 
pose pretty  well,  but  is  not  equal  to  a  well-applied  bandage. 
Fractures  of  the  limbs  may  be  set  by  extending  the  broken  ends, 
and  then  carefully  applying  wooden  or  gutta  percha  splints  lined 
with  two  or  three  thicknesses  of  coarse  flannel. 

Dislocations  occur  in  the  shoulder  and  elbow  very  rarely ;  in 
the  knee  and  toes  frequently;  in  the  h  p  very  often  ;  in  the  stifle 
occasionally,  and  in  the  hock  very  seldom,  except  in  connection 
with  fracture.  In  all  cases,  they  are  detected  by  the  deformity 
occurring  in  any  of  these  joints,  which  is  not  capable  of  restora- 
tion by  gentle  handling,  and  is  not  accompanied  by  the  crepitus, 
which  marks  the  fracture.  To  reduce  a  dislocation,  two  persons 


366  DISEASES    ARISING    FROM    NEGLECT. 

must  lay  firm  hold  of  the  two  parts  of  the  limb  on  each  side  of  the 
injured  joint,  and  then  extending  them  strongly,  the  head  of  the 
bone  in  slight  and  recent  cases  will  be  felt  slipping  into  the  socket. 
Chloroform  should  be  given  during  the  operation,  if  the  attempt  is 
not  immediately  successful  when  made  directly  after  the  accident, 
inasmuch  as  it  relaxes  the  muscles  in  a  remarkable  manner,  and  en- 
ables the  operator  to  proceed  without  being  opposed  by  the  strug- 
gles of  the  dog.  Dislocated  toes  are  sometimes  reduced  directly 
after  the  accident  occurs,  but  they  are  very  apt  to  return  to  their 
deformed  condition  immediately,  and  a  small  splint  should  be 
bound  on  at  once.  In  dislocations  of  the  knee,  also,  a  bandage 
should  be  applied,  so  as  to  keep  the  joint  slightly  bent,  and  prevent 
the  foot  from  being  put  to  the  ground.  The  operations  likely  to  be 
practised  on  the  dog  are  somewhat  numerous,  but  the  only  ones  fit 
to  be  attempted  by  any  but  the  professed  veterinarian  are  bleeding, 
the  insertion  of  a  seton,  and  the  closing  of  wounds  by  the  ligature. 


INDEX. 


Age  to  Breed  From 178 

Albanian  Dog 50 

American  Dogs 31 

Anatomy  of  the  Dog. 287 

A  xioms  for  Breeders  Use    .  175 

Barbet,the 153 

Beagles,  American  *     64 

Dwarf 65 

u      Rabbit* 66 

Bench  Show,  New  York 367 

Bitch,  the  Duration  of  Heat    182 

"      Management  of  in  Season. ..182 
•»  »•  u       Whelp...  183 

"      Preparation  for  Whelping. .  .184 

Bloodhound,  the  *  55 

Breaking  Pointers  and  Setters 223 

Breaking  and  Entering  Dogs 218 

Breed,  Time  of  Year  to 181 

Breeding,  General  Principles  of.. ..173 

In-and-in    178 

Buffalo  Hunter's  Camp* ...281 

Bulldog,  the  * 141 

Bull  Terrier* 169 

Camp,  How  to  Make  a 265 

Characteristics  of  Different  Species.  24 

Chesapeake  Bay  Dog  *. 124 

Cuvier's  Divisional  Arrangement..,  24 

Dachshund,  the* 85 

"  Character  of.... 87 

Dalmatian  Dog  * 91 

Dandie  Dinmonts,  Origin  of 73 

Deer  at  a  Salt-Lick  * 277 

Deerhound*. 32 

"  Entering  of 218 

Deer-Hunting  ....  276 

Dhole,  the,  of  India  * 28 

Digestive  System  of  the  Dog 290 

Dingo  of  Australia  * ..  19-27 

Diseases  of  the  Dog 309 

Distemper ...  311 

Fevers.. 309 

Influenza 310 

Rheumatic  Fever 317 

Smallpox 320 

Sympathetic  Fever 322 

Tpyli us  Fever 311 


Inflammations 828 

Hydrophobia 323 

of  the  Bowels 338 

of  the  Ear... 329 

of  the  Eye 328 

of  the  Kidneys*  Bladder.  341 

ofthe  Liver... 336 

oi  the  Lungs 333 

of  the  Mouth  and  Teeth ...  330 

of  the  Nose 331 

of  the  Stomach 336 

of  the  Throat 331 

Tetanus 328 

Turnside 327 

Asthma,  Spasmodic 335 

Diseases  from  Neglect ...  359 

Indigestion S60 

Rickets...  ..359 

Diseases  of  the  Skin 341 

Blotch..: 342 

Eruption  on  the  Toes 342 

Fleas,  etc 345 

Foul  Mange 342 

Red  Mange 344 

Virulent  Mange 343 

Diseases  of  the  Nerves 347 

Chorea 34T 

Fits 348 

Palsy 348 

Worms* 350 

Diseases  Requiring  Surgical  Aid..  .361 

Abscesses.'. 362 

Accidents  and  Operations 364 

Cancer 361 

Dropsy 357 

Fits,  Puerperal..... 36S 

Parturition,  Difficult .36* 

Phthisis a35 

Tumor 361 

Tumors  Encysted 362 

Dog— an  Article  of  Food....     81 

"     Descent  from  the  Wolf 19 

»*     Varieties  of  the 21 

Dogs  Used  with  the  Gun 88 

"     Domesticated 33 

Drenching,  Mode  of... 308 


367 


333 


INDEX. 


Ears,  Cropping 205 

Esquimaux  Dogs* 135 

Faults,  Correction  of 231 

Feeding  before  Weaning 191 

Food,  Value  of  Articles  of 201 

Foxhound,  The* 57 

"  Colors  of 62 

"          Entering  of 221 

**  How  to  Choose  a 58 

Same  in  the  Far  West 283 

Greyhound,  Choice  of  a 47 

Enteringof 208 

"  Grecian 50 

**  Irish 48 

•*  Italian* 52 

**  Kennels  for 206 

**  Persian 51 

•*  Points  of  a 38 

**  Russian 50 

**  The  Eough  Scotch 32 

"  TheSmooth* 36 

•»  Turkish 51 

Grouse,  Varieties  of 249 

Hare  Hunting 275 

Hare-Indian  Dog  * 49 

Harriers,  Entering  of. 221 

'*        The '. 63 

Hounds,  Kennel  Management  of... 213 

"       Feeding 215 

"       Foodfor 214 

House  Dogs,  Management  of...  ...216 

Kennels,  Benches  for*  211 

Elevation  of ,  ..208 

for  Foxhounds  and  Har- 
riers  209 

for  Greyhounds  — 206 

for  Pointers  and  Setters.. 216 

Management  of 206 

Pavement  for 208 

Plan  of* 207 

Single  Dogs 216 

Ventilation  for* 218 

Labrador  Dogs 132 

Lion  Dog,  The I. .155 

Maltese  Dog,  The* 154 

Mastiff,  English*... 146 

Matins. 24,48 

Muscular  System  of  the  Dog 289 

Nervous  System  of  the  Dog 290 

Newfoundland  Dog* 132 

Origin  of  the  Dog 18 

Otterhound,  The. 67 


.  Pariah,  The 29 

;  Parturition,  Healthful .184 

[  Pastoral  Dogs .   .  125 

Pills,  How  to  Give 307 

Pointers,  Breaking 2^3 

Pointer,  Daisy* 237 

Pointer,  English 88 

"  "       Portrait  of* 21 

"       Portuguese 90 

Poodle,  The* .   153 

Pug  Dogs* ,   isg 

Puppies,  Food  of.. .., ,  ..201 

"        Amount  of  Food  for 203 

"        Choice  of,  after  Weaning.  i04 
"        Cropping   and  Rounding 

Ears 205 

••        Treatment  of ..203 

"        Weaning 193 

Puzzle  Peg,  Use  of* 231 

Quail  Shooting 250 

Quartering  Ground,  Plan  of* 228 

Ranging  and  Beating.  229 

Remedies,  Administration  of 306 

Remedies  against  Disease 292 

Alteratives 292 

Anodynes 293 

Antispasmodics 293 

Aperients 294 

Astringents .  295 

Blisters 2ffi 

Caustics C9r 

Charges,  or  Plasters. . . .  2(J8 

Clysters 302,308 

Cordials .299 

Diuretics 299 

Embrocations 299 

Emetics 300 

Expectorants 300 

Fever  Medicines 301 

Injections 302.  308 

Lotions 302 

Ointments 303 

Stimulants 303 

Stomachics 304 

Styptics... 304 

Tonics . .  304 

Vermifuges 355 

Worm  Medicines 304 

Remedies,  Effects  of 306 

Retrieve,  Breaking  to 242 

Retriever,  The  Curly  Coated 167 

"        The  Terrier  Cross 161 


INDEX. 


3:9 


Retriever,  The 163 

The  Large  Black 164 

*•        The  Wavy  Coated 164 

Scotch  Colley  Dog* 126 

Setters,  Breaking 223 

elters ...  92 

"     Countess,  Pedigree  of 97 

"     English*..  96 

"     Gordon,  The* 104 

*  Irish .., 107 

*  Lang,  Pedigree  of . .  106 

"     Laverock 96 

Sheep  Dog,  English 126 

"        «»    German 130 

Shock  Dog,  The 155 

Shooting  Grouse  and  Quail 218 

Sire   and   Dam,    influences   of  in 

Breeding.. 174 

Skeleton  of  the  Dog 287 

Snipe  Shooting 255 

Spaniel  Covert,  Breaki  n.r 245 

Spaniel,  Head  of* 123 

"       Irish  Water* . . .121 

The  Clumber* 112 

The  Cocker* 115 

The  English  Water* 121 

The  Field* 111,155 

The  Sussex* ...114 

The  Water* 118 

Spaniels,  Blenheim* 157 

»*      King  Charles* 156 


Spaniels,  Toy* 156 

Spi  t  z  Dog*  131 

St.  Bernard  Rough,  The* 148 

"         Smooth,  The* 150 

Springer,  The 112 

Teeth  of  the  Dog* 288 

Terrier,  Bedlington 80 

'*       Dandie  Dinmont* 72 

**       English* 69 

'*       Fox*..  79 

"       Halifax,  Blue  Tan 162 

•*       Scotch 71 

Terrier,  Skye* 77 

Terrier,  Toy,  The* 161 

Terriers,  Varieties  of.  68 

Terriers,  Yorkshire* 81 

Thihet  Dog,  The 151 

Vermin  Dogs,  Breaking 246 

Vermin,  Prevention  of 215 

Water-fowl,  Shooting 262 

Water-fowl,  Deep,  Varieties  of 270 

Water-fowl,  Shoal,  Varieties 267 

Watch  Dogs 141 

Whelp?,  Choice  of  at  Birth 185 

"       Management  of,  in  Nest. .  .187 

Whelping,  Choice  of  Place  for 191 

Wild  Dogs 27 

"    O,  Africa 30 

•*       •*   Of  India  29 

Woodcock  Shooting 257 

Yards,  Arrangement  for 3OT 


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390  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth. $1.50 

Grape  Culturist 

By  A.  S.  FULLER.  This  is  one  of  the  very  best  of  works 
on  the  culture  of  the  hardy  grapes,  with  full  directions  for 
all  departments  of  propagation,  culture,  etc.,  with  150  excellent 
engravings,  illustrating  planting,  training,  grafting,  etc. 
282  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth $1.50 

Gardening  for  Young  and  Old 

By  JOSEPH  HARRIS.  A  work  intended  to  interest  farmers' 
boys  in  farm  gardening,  which  means  a  better  and  more  profit- 
able form  of  agriculture.  The  teachings  are  given  in  the 
familiar  manner  so  well  known  in  the  author's  "  Walks  and 
Talks  on  the  Farm."  Illustrated.  191  pages.  5x7  inches. 
Cloth.  $l.oo 

Money  in  the  Garden 

By  P.  T.  QUINN.  The  author  gives  in  a  plain,  practical 
style  instructions  on  three  distinct,  although  closely  connected, 
branches  of  gardening — the  kitchen  garden,  market  garden  and 
field  culture,  from  successful  practical  experience  for  a  term 
ot  years.  Illustrated.  268  pages.  5x7  inches,  Cloth.  $1.00 


Alfalfa 

By  F.  D.  COBURN.  Its  growth,  uses,  and  feeding  value. 
The  fact  that  alfalfa  thrives  in  almost  any  soil;  that  without 
reseeding,  it  goes  on  yielding  two,  three,  four,  and  sometimes 
five  cuttings  annually  for  five,  ten,  or  perhaps  100  years ;  and 
that  either  green  or  cured  it  is  one  of  the  most  nutritious 
forage  plants  known,  makes  reliable  information  upon  its  pro- 
duction and  uses  of  unusual  interest.  Such  information  is 
given  in  this  volume  for  every  part  of  America,  by  the  highest 
authority.  Illustrated.  164  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  $0.50 

Ginseng,  Its  Cultivation,   Harvesting,   Market- 
ing and  Market  Value 

By  MAURICE  G.  KAINS,  with  a  short  account  of  its  history 
and  botany.  It  discusses  in  a  practical  way  how  to  begin  with 
either  seed  or  roots,  soil,  climate  and  location,  preparation, 
planting  and  maintenance  of  the  beds,  artificial  propagation, 
manures,  enemies,  selection  for  market  and  for  improvement, 
preparation  for  sale,  and  the  profits  that  may  be  expected. 
This  booklet  is  concisely  written,  well  and  profusely  illus- 
trated, and  should  be  in  the  hands  of  all  who  expect  to  grow 
this  drug  to  supply  the  export  trade,  and  to  add  a  new  and 
profitable  industry  to  their  farms  and  gardens,  without  inter- 
fering with  the  regular  work.  New  edition.  Revised  and  en- 
larged. Illustrated.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  .  .  .  $0.50 

Landscape  Gardening 

By  F.  A.  WAUGH,  professor  of  horticulture,  university  of 
Vermont.  A  treatise  on  the  general  principles  governing 
outdoor  art;  with  sundry  suggestions  for  their  application 
in  the  commoner  problems  of  gadening.  Every  paragraph  is 
short,  terse  and  to  the  point,  giving  perfect  clearness  to  the 
discussions  at  all  points.  In  spite  of  the  natural  difficulty 
of  presenting  abstract  principles  the  whole  matter  is  made 
entirely  plain  even  to  the  inexperienced  reader.  Illustrated. 
152  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth $0.50 

Hedges,  Windbreaks,  Shelters  and  Live  Fences 

By  E.  P.  POWELL.  A  treatise  on  the  planting,  growth 
and  management  of  hedge  plants  for  country  and  suburban 
homes.  It  gives  accurate  directions  concerning  hedges ;  how 
to  plant  and  how  to  treat  them ;  and  especially  concerning 
windbreaks  and  shelters.  It  includes  the  whole  art  of  making 
a  delightful  home,  giving  directions  for  nooks  and  balconies, 
for  bird  culture  and  for  human  comfort.  Illustrafed  140 
pages,  5x7  inches,  _  Cloth. ^  _t  t  .  .  •  $0.50 


Greenhouse  Construction 

By  PROF.  L.  R.  TAFT.  A  complete  treatise  on  greenhouse 
structures  and  arrangements  of  the  various  forms  and  styles 
of  plant  houses  for  professional  florists  as  well  as  amateurs. 
All  the  best  and  most  approved  structures  are  so  fully  and 
clearly  described  that  any  one  who  desires  to  build  a  green- 
house will  have  no  difficulty  in  determining  the  kind  best 
suited  to  his  purpose.  The  modern  and  most  successful  meth- 
ods of  heating  and  ventilating  are  fully  treated  upon.  Special 
chapters  are  devoted  to  houses  used  for  the  growing  of  one 
kind  of  plants  exclusively.  The  construction  of  hotbeds  and 
frames  receives  appropriate  attention.  Over  100  excellent 
illustrations,  especially  engraved  for  this  work,  make  every 
point  clear  to  the  reader  and  add  considerably  to  the  artistic 
appearance  of  the  book.  210  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  $1.50 

Greenhouse  Management 

By  L.  R.  TAFT.  This  book  forms  an  almost  indispensable 
companion  volume  to  Greenhouse  Construction.  In  it  the 
author  gives  the  results  of  his  many  years'  experience,  together 
with  that  of  the  most  successful  florists  and  gardeners,  in  the 
management  of  growing  plants  under  glass.  So  minute  and 
practical  are  the  various  systems  and  methods  of  growing 
and  forcing  roses,  violets,  carnations,  and  all  the  most  impor- 
tant florists'  plants,  as  well  as  fruits  and  vegetables  described, 
that  by  a  careful  study  of  this  work  and  the  following  of  its 
teachings,  failure  is  almost  impossible.  Illustrated.  382  pages. 
5x7  inches.  Cloth $1.50 

Fungi  and  Fungicides 

By  PROF.  CLARENCE  M.  WEED.  A  practical  manual  con- 
cerning the  fungous  diseases  of  cultivated  plants  and  the 
means  of  preventing  their  ravages.  The  author  has  endeav- 
ored to  give  such  a  concise  account  of  the  most  important 
facts  relating  to  these  as  will  enable  the  cultivator  to  combat 
them  intelligently.  90  illustrations.  222  t»ages.  5x7  inches. 
Paper,  50  cents;  cloth  .  .  .  .  .  $X-OO 


Mushrooms.     How  to  Grow  Them 

By  WILLIAM  FALCONER.  This  is  the  mos',  p  -rctical  work 
on  the  subject  ever  written,  and  the  only  tv*  *•  on  growing 
mushrooms  published  in  America.  The  autl".-/  describes  how 
he  grows  mushrooms,  and  how  they  are  gf'V  n  for  profit  by 
the  leading  market  gardeners,  and  for  homo  _tse  by  the  most 
sMcces<:fii1  nnVnte  growers  Fne^avings  drawn  from  nature 
expressly  for  this  work.  170  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth,  $1.00 


Land  Draining 

A  handbook  for  farmers  on  the  principles  and  practice  ot 
draining,  by  MANLY;  MILES,  giving  the  results  of  his  extended 
experience  in  laying  tile  drains.  The  directions  for  the  laying 
out  and  the  construction  of  tile  drains  will  enable  the  farmer 
to  avoid  the  errors  of  imperfect  construction,  and  the  disap- 
pointment that  must  necessarily  follow.  This  manual  for 
practical  farmers  will  also  be  found  convenient  for  reference 
in  regard  to  many  questions  that  may  arise  in  crop  growing, 
aside  from  the  special  subjects  of  drainage  of  which  it  treats. 
Illustrated.  200  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  .  .  $1.00 

Barn  Plans  and  Outbuildings 

Two  hundred  and  fifty-seven  illustrations.  A  most  valu- 
able work,  full  of  ideas,  hints,  suggestions,  plans,  etc.,  for  the 
construction  of  barns  and  outbuildings,  by  practical  writers. 
Chapters  are  devoted  to  the  economic  erection  and  use  of 
barns,  grain  barns,  horse  barns,  cattle  barns,  sheep  barns,  corn- 
houses,  smokehouses,  icehouses,  pig  pens,  granaries,  etc. 
There  are  likewise  chapters  on  birdhouses,  doghouses,  tool 
sheds,  ventilators,  roofs  and  roofing,  doors  and  fastenings, 
workshops,  poultry  houses,  manure  sheds,  barnyards,  root  pits, 
etc.  235  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  .  .  .  .  $1.00 

Irrigation  Farming 

By  LUTE  WILCOX.  A  handbook  for  the  practical  applica- 
tion of  water  in  the  production  of  crops.  A  complete  treatise 
on  ivater  supply,  canal  construction,  reservoirs  and  ponds, 
pipes  for  irrigation  purposes,  flumes  and  their  structure, 
methods  of  applying  water,  irrigation  of  field  crops,  the 
garden,  the  orchard  and  vineyard,  windmills  and  pumps 
appliances  and  contrivances.  New  edition,  revised,  enlarged 
and  rewritten.  Profusely  illustrated.  Over  500  pages.  5x7 
inches.  Cloth. $2.00 

Forest  Planting 

By  H.  NICHOLAS  JARCHOW,  LL.  D.  A  treatise  on  the  car* 
of  woodlands  and  the  restoration  of  the  denuded  timberlands 
.on  plains  and  mountains.  The  author  has  fij'y  describe*! 
those  European  methods  which  have  proved  to  be  most  useful 
in  maintaining  the  superb  forests  of  the  old  world.  This  expe- 
rience has  been  adapted  tc  the  different  climates  and  trees  of 
America,  full  instructions  being  given  for  forest  planting  of 
our  various  kinds  of  soil  and  subsoil,  whetner  on  mountain 
or  valley,  Illustrated^ 2^0  pages,  $x7mcaes,  Cloth.  $1.50 


The  New  Egg  Farm 

By  H.  H.  STODDARD.  A  practical,  reliable  manual  on 
producing  eggs  and  poultry  for  market  as  a  profitable  business 
enterprise,  either  by  itself  or  connected  with  other  branches 
of  agriculture.  It  tells  all  about  how  to  feed  and  manage, 
how  to  breed  and  select,  incubators  and  brooders,  its  labor- 
saving  devices,  etc.,  etc.  Illustrated.  331  pages.  5x7  inches. 
Cloth. $1.00 

Poultry  Feeding  and  Fattening 

Compiled  by  G.  B.  FISKE.  A  handbook  for  poultry  keep- 
ers on  the  standard  and  improved  methods  of  feeding  and 
marketing  all  kinds  of  poultry.  The  subject  of  feeding  and 
fattening  poultry  is  prepared  largely  from  the  side  of  the 
best  practice  and  experience  here  and  abroad,  although  the 
underlying  science  of  feeding  is  explained  as  fully  as  needful. 
The  subject  covers  all  branches,  including  chickens,  broilers, 
capons,  turkeys  and  waterfowl;  how  to  feed  under  various 
conditions  and  for  different  purposes.  The  whole  subject  of 
capons  and  caponizing  is  treated  in  detail.  A  great  mass  of 
practical  information  and  experience  not  readily  obtainable 
elsewhere  is  given  with  full  and  explicit  directions  for  fatten- 
ing and  preparing  for  market.  This  book  will  meet  the  needs 
of  amateurs  as  well  as  commercial  poultry  raisers.  Profusely 
illustrated.  160  pages.  5x71-2  inches.  Cloth.  .  $0.50 

Poultry  Architecture 

Compiled  by  G.  B.  FFSKE.  A  treatise  on  poultry  buildings 
of  all  grades,  styles  and  classes,  and  their  proper  location, 
coops,  additions  and  special  construction ;  all  practical  in  de- 
sign, and  reasonable  in  cost.  Over  100  illustrations.  125  pages. 
5x7  inches.  Cloth $0.50 

Poultry  Appliances  and  Handicraft 

Compiled  by  G.  B.  FISKE.  Illustrated  descriptions  of  a 
great  variety  and  styles  of  the  best  homemade  nests,  roosts, 
windows,  ventilators,  incubators  and  brooders,  feeding  and 
watering  appliances,  etc.,  etc.  Over  100  illustrations.  Over 
125  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  .....  $0.50 

Turkeys  and  How  to  Grow  Them 

Edited  by  HERBERT  MYRICK.  A  treatise  on  the  natural 
history  and  origin  of  the  name  of  turkeys;  the  various  breeds, 
the  best  methods  to  insure  success  in  the  business  of  turkey 
growing.  With  essays  from  practical  turkey  growers  in 
different  parts  of  the  United  States  and  Canada.  Copiously 
illustrated.  154  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth  ,  ,  .  $1.00 


Animal  Breeding 

By  THOMAS  SHAW.  This  book  Is  the  most  complete  and 
comprehensive  work  ever  published  on  the  subject  of  which 
it  treats.  It  is  the  first  book  which  has  systematized  the  subject 
of  animal  breeding.  The  leading  laws  which  govern  this 
most  intricate  question  the  author  has  boldly  defined  and 
authoritatively  arranged.  The  chapters  which  he  has  written 
on  the  more  involved  features  of  the  subject,  as  sex  and  the 
relative  influence  of  parents,  should  go  far  toward  setting  at 
rest  the  wildly  speculative  views  cherished  with  reference  to 
these  questions.  The  striking  originality  in  the  treatment  of 
the  subject  is  no  less  conspicuous  than  the  superb  order  and 
regular  sequence  of  thought  from  the  beginning  to  the  end 
of  the  book.  The  book  is  intended  to  meet  the  needs  of  all 
persons  interested  in  the  breeding  and  rearing  of  live  stock. 
Illustrated,  405  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  ,  ,  $1.50 

Forage  Crops  Other  Than  Grasses 

By  THOMAS  SHAW.  How  to  cultivate,  harvest  and  use 
them.  Indian  corn,  sorghum,  clover,  leguminous  plants,  crops 
of  the  brassica  genus,  the  cereals,  millet,  field  roots,  etc. 
Intensely  practical  and  reliable.  Illustrated.  287  pages.  5x7 
inches.  Cloth .  .  .  $1.00 

Soiling  Crops  and  the  Silo 

By  THOMAS  SHAW.  The  growing  and  feeding  of  all  kinds 
of  soiling  crops,  conditions  to  which  they  are  adapted,  their 
plan  in  the  rotation,  etc.  Not  a  line  is  repeated  from  the 
Forage  Crops  book.  Best  methods  of  building  the  silo,  filling 
it  and  feeding  ensilage.  Illustrated.  364  pages.  5x7  inches. 
Cloth $1.50 

The  Study  of  Breeds 

By  THOMAS  SHAW.  Origin,  history,  distribution,  charac- 
teristics, adaptability,  uses,  and  standards  of  excellence  of  all 
pedigreed  breeds  of  cattle,  sheep  and  swine  in  America.  The 
accepted  text  book  in  colleges,  and  the  authority  for 
farmers  and  breeders.  Illustrated.  371  pages.  5x7  inches. 
Cloth.  .; $1-50 

Profits  in  Poultry 

Useful  and  ornamental  breeds  and  their  profitable  man- 
agement. This  excellent  work  contains  the  combined  expe- 
rience of  a  number  of  practical  men  in  all  departments  of 
poultry  raising.  It  forms  a  unique  and  important  addition  to 
our  poultry  literature.  Profusely  illustrated.  352  pages.  5x7 
inches,  Cloth,  ,  .  ,  , 


Cabbage,  Cauliflower  and  Allied  Vegetables 

% 

By  C.  L.  ALLEN.  A  practical  treatise  on  the  various 
types  and  varieties  of  cabbage,  cauliflower,  broccoli,  Brussels 
sprouts,  kale,  collards  and  kohl-rabi.  An  explanation  is  given 
of  the  requirements,  conditions,  cultivation  and  general 
management  pertaining  to  the  entire  cabbage  group.  After  this 
each  class  is  treated  separately  and  in  detail.  The  chapter 
on  seed  raising  is  probably  the  most  authoritative  treatise  on 
this  subject  ever  published.  Insects  and  fungi  attacking  this 
class  of  vegetables  are  given  due  attention.  Illustrated.  126 
pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth $0.50 

Asparagus 

By  F.  M.  HEXAMER.  This  is  the  first  book  published  in 
America  which  is  exclusively  devoted  to  the  raising  of  aspara- 
gus for  home  use  as  well  as  for  market.  It  is  a  practical 
and  reliable  treatise  on  the  saving  of  the  seed,  raising  of  the 
plants,  selection  and  preparation  of  the  soil,  planting,  cultiva- 
tion, manuring,  cutting,  bunching,  packing,  marketing,  canning 
and  drying,  insect  enemies,  fungous  diseases  and  every  require- 
ment to  successful  asparagus  culture,  special  emphasis  being 
given  to  the  importance  of  asparagus  as  a  farm  and  money 
crop.  Illustrated.  174  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  .  $0.50 

The  New  Onion  Culture 

By  T.  GREINER.  Rewritten,  greatly  enlarged  and  brought 
up  to  date.  A  new  method  of  growing  onions  of  largest  size 
and  yield,  on  less  land,  than  can  be  raised  by  the  old  plan. 
Thousands  of  farmers  and  gardeners  and  many  experiment 
stations  have  given  it  practical  trials  which  have  proved  a 
success.  A  complete  guide  in  growing  onions  with  the  great- 
est profit,  explaining  the  whys  and  wherefores.  Illustrated. 
5x7  inches.  140  pages.  Cloth $0.50 

The  New  Rhubarb  Culture 

A  complete  guide  to  dark  forcing  and  field  culture.  Part 
I — By  J.  E.  MORSE,  the  well-known  Michigan  trucker  and 
originator  of  the  now  famous  and  extremely  profitable  new 
methods  of  dark  forcing  and  field  culture.  Part  II — Compiled 
by  G.  B.  FISKE.  Other  methods  practiced  by  the  most  experi- 
enced market  gardeners,  greenhouse  men  and  experimenters  in 
all  parts  of  America.  Illustrated.  130  pages.  5x7  inches. 
Cloth $0.50 


Successful  Fruit  Culture 

By  SAMUEL  T.  MAYNARD.  A  practical  guide  to  the  culti- 
vation and  propagation  of  Fruits,  written  from  the  standpoint 
of  the  practical  fruit  grower  who  is  striving  to  make  his 
business  profitable  by  growing  the  best  fruit  possible  and  at 
the  least  cost.  It  is  up-to-date  in  every  particular,  and  covers 
the  entire  practice  of  fruit  culture,  harvesting,  storing,  mar- 
keting, forcing,  best  varieties,  etc.,  etc.  It  deals  with  principles 
first  and  with  the  practice  afterwards,  as  the  foundation,  prin- 
ciples of  plant  growth  and  nourishment  must  always  remain 
the  same,  while  practice  will  vary  according  to  the  fruit 
grower's  immediate  conditions  and  environments.  Illustrated. 
265  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth $1.00 

Plums  and  Plum  Culture 

By  F.  A.  WAUGH.  A  complete  manual  /or  fruit  groweis. 
nurserymen,  farmers  and  gardeners,  on  all  known  varieties 
of  plums  and  their  successful  management.  This  book  marks 
an  epoch  in  the  horticultural  literature  of  America.  It  is  a 
complete  monograph  of  the  plums  cultivated  in  and  indigenous 
to  North  America.  It  will  be  found  indispensable  to  the 
scientist  seeking  the  most  recent  and  authoritative  informa- 
tion concerning  this  group,  to  the  nurseryman  who  wishes  to 
handle  his  varieties  accurately  and  intellingently,  and  to  the 
cultivator  who  would  like  to  grow  plums  successfully.  Illus- 
trated. 391  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  ,  .  .  $1.50 

Fruit  Harvesting,  Storing,  Marketing 

By  F.  A.  WAUGH.  A  practical  guide  to  the  picking,  stor- 
ing, shipping  and  marketing  of  fruit.  The  principal  subjects 
covered  are  the  fruit  market,  fruit  picking,  sorting  and  pack- 
ing, the  fruit  storage,  evaporating,  canning,  statistics  of  the 
fruit  trade,  fruit  package  laws,  commission  dealers  and  dealing, 
cold  storage,  etc.,  etc.  No  progressive  fruit  grower  can  afford 
to  be  without  this  most  valuable  book.  Illustrated.  232  pages. 
5x7  inches.  Cloth ,  *  .  $1.00 

Systematic  Pomology 

By  F.  A.  WAUGH,  professor  of  horticulture  and  landscape 
gardening  in  the  Massachusetts  agricultural  college,  formerly 
of  the  university  of  Vermont.  This  is  the  first  book  in  the 
English  language  which  has  ever  made  the  attempt  at  a  com- 
plete and  comprehensive  treatment  of  systematic  pomology. 
It  presents  clearly  and  in  detail  the  whole  method  by  which 
fruits  are  studied.  The  book  is  suitably  illustrated.  288  pages. 
5x7  inches.  Cloth $l.oo 


Coburn's  Swine  Husbandry 

By  F.  D.  COBURN.  New,  revised  and  enlarged  edition. 
The  breeding,  rearing  and  management  of  swine,  and  the 
prevention  and  treatment  of  their  diseases.  It  is  the  fullest 
and  freshest  compendium  relating  to  swine  breeding  yet 
offered.  Illustrated.  312  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  $1.50 

Home  Pork  Making 

The  art  of  raising  and  curing  pork  on  the  farm.  By 
A.  W.  FULTON.  A  complete  guide  for  the  farmer,  the  country 
butcher  and  the  suburban  dweller,  in  all  that  pertains  to  hog 
slaughtering,  curing,  preserving  and  storing  pork  product — 
from  scalding  vat  to  kitchen  table  and  dining  room.  Illus- 
trated. 125  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  .  .  .  $0.50 

Harris  on  the  Pig 

By  JOSEPH  HARRIS.  New  edition.  Revised  and  enlarged 
by  the  author.  The  points  of  the  various  English  and  Ameri- 
can breeds  are  thoroughly  discussed,  and  the  great  advantage 
of  using  thoroughbred  males  clearly  shown.  The  work  is 
equally  valuable  to  the  farmer  who  keeps  but  a  few  pigs,  and 
to  the  breeder  on  an  extensive  scale.  Illustrated.  318  pages. 
5x7  inches.  Cloth $1.00 

The  Dairyman's  Manual 

By  HENRY  STEWART,  author  of  the  "  Shepherd's  Manual," 
"Irrigation,"  etc.  A  useful  and  practical  work,  by  a  writer 
who  is  well  known  as  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  subject 
of  which  he  writes.  Illustrated.  475  pages.  5x7  inches. 
Cloth $1.50 

Feeds  and  Feeding 

By  W.  A.  HENRY.  This  handbook  for  students  and  stock- 
men constitutes  a  compendium  of  practical  and  useful  knowl- 
edge on  plant  growth  and  animal  nutrition,  feeding  stuffs, 
feeding  animals  and  every  detail  pertaining  to  this  important 
subject.  It  is  thorough,  accurate  and  reliable,  and  is  the  most 
valuable  contribution  to  live  stock  literature  in  many  years. 
All  the  latest  and  best  information  is  clearly  and  systematically 
presented,  making  the  work  indispensable  to  every  owner  of 
Uve  stock.  658  pages.  6x9  inches.  Cloth.  .  .  $2.00 


Bulbs  and  Tuberous-Rooted  Plants 

By  C.  L.  ALLEN.  A  complete  treatise  on  the  history, 
description,  methods  of  propagation  and  full  directions  for 
the  successful  culture  of  bulbs  in  the  garden,  dwelling  and 
greenhouse.  The  author  of  this  book  has  for  many  years 
made  bulb  growing  a  specialty,  and  is  a  recognized  authority 
on  their  cultivation  and  management.  The  cultural  direc- 
tions are  plainly  stated,  practical  and  to  the  point.  The 
illustrations  which  embellish  this  work  have  been  drawn 
from  nature  and  have  been  engraved  especially  for  this 
book.  312  pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth.  «,  .  .  $1.50 

Fumigation  Methods 

By  WILLIS  G.  JOHNSON.  A  timely  up-to-date  book  on 
the  practical  application  of  the  new  methods  for  destroying 
insects  with  hydrocyanic  acid  gas  and  carbon  bisulphid,  the 
most  powerful  insecticides  ever  discovered.  It  is  an  indis- 
pensable book  for  farmers,  fruit  growers,  nurserymen,  garden- 
ers, florists,  millers,  grain  dealers,  transportation  companies, 
college  and  experiment  station  workers,  etc.  Illustrated.  313 
pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth. $1.00 

Prize  Gardening 

Compiled  by  G.  BURNAP  FISKE.  This  unique  book  shows 
how  to  derive  profit,  pleasure  and  health  from  the  garden, 
by  giving  the  actual  experiences  of  the  successful  prize  win- 
ners in  the  American  Agriculturist  garden  contest.  Every 
line  is  from  actual  experience  based  on  real  work.  The  result 
is  a  mine  and  treasure  house  of  garden  practice,  comprising 
the  grand  prize  gardener's  methods,  gardening  for  profit,  farm 
gardens,  the  home  acre,  town  and  city  gardens,  experimental 
gardening,  methods  under  glass,  success  with  specialties,  prize 
flowers  and  fruits,  gardening  by  women,  boys  and  girls,  irriga- 
tion secrets,  etc.,  etc.  Illustrated  from  original  photos.  320 
pages.  5x7  inches.  Cloth $1.00 

Spraying  Crops — Why,  When  and  How 

By  CLARENCE  M.  WEED,  D.  Sc.  The  present  fourth  edition 
has  been  rewritten  and  reset  throughout  to  bring  it  thoroughly 
up  to  date,  so  that  it  embodies  the  latest  practical  information 
gleaned  by  fruit  growers  and  experiment  station  workers.  So 
much  new  information  has  come  to  light  since  the  thi»*d  edition 
was  published  that  this  is  practicallv  a  new  book,  needed  by 
those  who  have  utilized  the  earlier  editions,  as  well  as  by  fruit 
growers  and  farmers  generally.  Illustrated.  136  pages.  5x7 
inches.  Cloth ,  $0.50 


Farmer's  Cyclopedia 
of  Agriculture    0    0 

tA  Compendium  of  Agricultural  Science  and  Practice 
on  Farm,  Orchard  and  Garden  Crops,  and  the 
Feeding  and  Diseases  of  Farm  Animals  :  :  :  : 

*By   EARLEY   VERNON    WILCOX,    Ph.D 
CLARENCE   BEAMAN   SMITH,    M.S 

Associate  Editors  in  the  Office  of  Experiment  Stations,   United  States 
Department  of  Agriculture 

HIS  is  a  new,  practical,  and  complete  pres- 
entation of  the  whole  subject  of  agricul- 
ture in  its  broadest  sense.  It  is  designed 
for  the  use  of  agriculturists  who  desire 
up-to-date,  reliable  information  on  all 
matters  pertaining  to  crops  and  stock,  but  more 
particularly  for  the  actual  farmer.  The  volume 
contains 

Detailed  directions  for  the  culture  of  every 
important  field,  orchard,  and  garden  crop 

grown  in  America,  together  with  descriptions  of 
their  chief  insect  pests  and  fungous  diseases,  and 
remedies  for  their  control.  It  contains  an  ac- 
count of  modern  methods  in  feeding  and  handling 
all  farm  stock,  including  poultry.  The  diseases 
which  affect  different  farm  animals  and  poultry 
are  described,  and  the  most  recent  remedies 
suggested  for  controlling  them. 

Every  bit  of  this  vast  mass  of  new  and  useful 
information  is  authoritative,  practical,  and  easily 
found,  and  no  effort  has  been  spared  to  include 
all  desirable  details.  There  are  between  6,000 
and  7,000  topics  covered  in  these  references,  and 
it  contains  700  royal  8vo  pages  and  nearly  500 
superb  half-tone  and  other  original  illustrations, 
making  the  most  perfect  Cyclopedia  of  Agricul- 
ture ever  attempted. 

Handsomely  bound    in    cloth,  $3.50;    half  morocco 
(Very  sumptuous^,  $4.50,  postpaid 

ORANGE  JUDD  COMPANY,  Ma^Sf^J?^ 


SENT   FREE  ON  APPLICATION 


Descriptive  Catalog 

qf  Rural  Books 

CONTAINING  112  8vo  PAGES,  PROFUSELY 
ILLUSTRATED,  AND  GIVING  FULL  DE- 
SCRIPTIONS OF  THE  BEST  WORKS  ON 
THE  FOLLOWING  SUBJECTS  :  :  :  :  : 

Farm  and   Garden 

Fruits,    Flowers,   etc. 

Cattle,   Sheep  and   Swine 

Dogs,   Horses,   Riding,   etc. 

Poultry,   Pigeons  and   Bees 
Angling  and   Fishing 
Boating,   Canoeing  and   Sailing 
Field  Sports  and  Natural  History 

Hunting,   Shooting,   etc. 

Architecture  and  Building 

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...PUBLISHERS   AND   IMPORTERS... 

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